Layers and Masking Techniques Flashcards

What is a luminosity mask in Photoshop used for?

Answer: Creating selections and masks based on the brightness values of an image

A luminosity mask uses the tonal information (brightness values) of the image to create highly accurate, feathered masks ideal for targeted exposure and color adjustments.

Which keyboard shortcut reveals the contents of a layer mask as a grayscale image directly in the canvas?

Answer: Alt/Option-click the mask thumbnail

Alt-clicking (Option-clicking on Mac) a layer mask thumbnail displays the grayscale mask content in the canvas, useful for inspecting and painting precise mask details.

What does the 'Knockout' option in a layer's Blending Options do?

Answer: Punches through layers below to reveal the background or base layer

The Knockout option causes a layer to cut through layers below it, revealing the Background layer (Shallow knockout) or the bottom of the layer stack (Deep knockout).

Which method is best for creating a non-destructive vignette using a layer in Photoshop?

Answer: Add a Solid Color fill layer set to black with a radial gradient mask

A Solid Color fill layer set to black with an inverted radial gradient as its mask creates a fully nondestructive, adjustable vignette.

When you merge visible layers with Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+E, what happens to hidden layers?

Answer: Hidden layers remain unchanged and separate in the Layers panel

Merge Visible (Ctrl+Shift+E / Cmd+Shift+E) merges only the currently visible layers and leaves hidden layers untouched in the Layers panel.

What is the primary advantage of converting a layer to a Smart Object before applying a filter?

Answer: The filter becomes a Smart Filter that can be re-edited, masked, and toggled non-destructively

Smart Filters applied to Smart Objects are stored as editable, maskable, and toggle-able entries below the Smart Object layer, enabling fully nondestructive filter workflows.

Which option in the Layers panel allows you to restrict the view of the canvas to only the content within a selected layer's bounds?

Answer: Isolate Layers mode

Isolate Layers mode (triggered via the filter bar at the top of the Layers panel) hides all non-selected layers so you can focus on specific layers quickly.