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Learn the basics
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Smart objects
- Smart Objects - overview and benefits
- Create embedded Smart Objects
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- Embed Linked Smart Objects
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- Filter the Layers panel by Smart Objects
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Make selections
- Get started with selections
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Automatic and color-based selections
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- Make precise selections using Select People
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Refine and modify selections
- Move a selection or selection border
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Remove objects and fill space
- Remove background in your images
- Replace background with Generate Background
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- Create panoramic images with Photomerge
- Create 360-degree panoramas
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Remove objects and fill space
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Adjust color
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Add video and animation
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Create animation frames
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Create animation frames
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Add layer masks
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn how to add and edit layer masks to hide or reveal parts of a layer using selections, transparency, or painting in Adobe Photoshop.
Add a mask that shows or hides the entire layer
Select the layer or group in the Layers panel.
Select how you want the mask to affect the layer:
- To show the entire layer, select the Layer masks icon in the Layers panel.
- To hide the entire layer, Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) the Layer masks icon.
Add a layer mask that hides part of a layer
Select the layer or group in the Layers panel.
Select your image.
Select how you want the mask to affect the selected area:
- To reveal the selected area, select the Layer masks icon in the Layers panel, or select Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal Selection.
- To hide the selected area, Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) the Layer masks icon or select Layer > Layer Mask > Hide Selection.
To directly edit layer transparency, select the layer in the Layers panel and select Layer > Layer Mask > From Transparency.
Apply a layer mask from another layer
In the Layers panel, select the mask thumbnail you want to copy or move.
Select how to apply it to another layer:
- To move the mask, drag the mask thumbnail to another layer.
- To duplicate the mask, use Alt-drag (Windows) or Option-drag (macOS) to place the mask thumbnail on another layer.
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