In the Layers panel, select the layer containing the mask you want to edit.
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Edit and refine existing layer masks
Last updated on
Sep 29, 2026
Paint with black, white, or gray to control visibility and create precise non-destructive edits.
This procedure modifies an existing layer mask by painting directly on the mask to adjust which areas of a layer are visible. If you need to create a new layer mask, see Add layer masks. For advanced edge refinement and selection-based masking techniques, see Refine your selection and mask.
Layer masks work on a fundamental principle: white reveals, black conceals, and gray creates partial transparency. When you activate a mask for editing, Photoshop automatically sets your foreground and background colors to grayscale, making it easy to paint precise visibility adjustments.
Paint on a layer mask
Select the mask thumbnail in the Layers panel to activate it for editing.
Select any painting or editing tool from the toolbar.
Paint on your image with white to reveal more of the layer, black to hide areas, or gray to create partial transparency. Darker grays make the layer more transparent, while lighter grays make it more opaque.
When painting on a mask, you're not changing the actual image - you're only adjusting what's visible. This non-destructive approach lets you experiment freely, knowing you can always reverse your changes by painting with the opposite color.
To verify which element you're editing, check the Layers panel. A border around the mask thumbnail indicates the mask is active. A border around the layer thumbnail means you're editing the layer itself.
Switch between editing the mask and the layer
In the Layers panel, select the thumbnail you want to edit.
Verify a border appears around your selected thumbnail, confirming it's active.
You can also add copied content directly into a layer mask, which converts the pasted selection to grayscale values that control visibility.
Paste a selection into a mask
Copy the content you want to add to the mask using Edit > Copy.
Alt + click (Windows) or Option + click (macOS) the layer mask thumbnail in the Layers panel to display the mask channel.
Select Edit > Paste to add the copied content into the mask.
Select Select > Deselect to remove the selection border.
Select the layer thumbnail in the Layers panel to return to normal editing view.
Tip
Press X to quickly swap your foreground and background colors while painting on a mask, letting you easily switch between revealing and concealing.
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