Layer Masking

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Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS6

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About This Episode

This video gives you the essentials for creating and applying a layer mask. Discover how to ensure accurate edges, switch the mask off and on, and save the mask with the image for later use.

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Richard Harrington

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Episode Title	Runtime	CC	Products Covered	My Library
Photoshop Interface
Editing Video in Photoshop CS6 Editing Video in Photoshop CS6 This video shows you how to make the most of the video editing features new to CS6. Trim and combine multiple shots, add soundtracks, color corrections and fades, and render video files, all in Photoshop. Runtime: 00:07:27 Views: 3,998	00:07:27
Browsing in Mini Bridge Browsing in Mini Bridge Master Mini Bridge with this video and learn how to quickly search and navigate through photos without leaving Photoshop. Use this tool to sort and filter images to access files with greater efficiency. Runtime: 00:02:50 Views: 2,008	00:02:50
Acquiring digital images
Camera Raw Interface Camera Raw Interface With this movie learn how to use the Camera Raw dialog to adjust color and exposure, add vignetting and crop the image. Then send it on to Photoshop to benefit from the best each program has to offer. Runtime: 00:05:15 Views: 1,590	00:05:15
Importing Images with Adobe Bridge Importing Images with Adobe Bridge Adobe Bridge allows you to automate the offloading of camera. Here we see how to use it to handle file conversions, rename photos, embed preview files and assign copyright information. Runtime: 00:02:20 Views: 1,619	00:02:20
Crop and Straighten Command Crop and Straighten Command Learn how Photoshop can speed the processing of scanned images. The Crop and Straighten command removes extra space and can even pull multiple images from one scan into separate documents. Runtime: 00:01:16 Views: 912	00:01:16
Sizing digital images
Changing Image Size Changing Image Size This video introduces image size, showing you how to resize images, change their resolution, and reassign how pixels are interpreted. Runtime: 00:01:28 Views: 3,321	00:01:28
Changing Canvas Size Changing Canvas Size This movie shows how to adjust the canvas size to add additional room around an image or make it smaller without using the Crop tool. Learn how to pin these changes exactly where you want them. Runtime: 00:01:36 Views: 1,724	00:01:36
Power Cropping Power Cropping Use Power Cropping to crop and set target size at the same time. This video shows how to set an accurate cropping detail and save crop presets to use these settings later. Runtime: 00:01:51 Views: 984	00:01:51
Nondestructive Cropping Nondestructive Cropping Non-destructive editing allows you to change your mind later, and this video shows you how you can crop an image without permanently discarding the excess information. Runtime: 00:01:29 Views: 797	00:01:29
Perspective Cropping Perspective Cropping Remove any unwanted distortion caused by the position of the camera with the techniques in this movie. Create a crop that fits to the angles of an image and use it to set accurate perspective. Runtime: 00:01:51 Views: 939	00:01:51
Adaptive Wide Angle Correction and Content-Aware F... Adaptive Wide Angle Correction and Content-Aware Fill This video demonstrates Photoshop's tools to manipulate images to get proper perspective, removing the distortion caused by wide-angle lenses and then filling in the missing pieces. Runtime: 00:03:53 Views: 961	00:03:53
Free Transform Command Free Transform Command Learn how to use the Free Transform modify shape of an individual layer. Stretch, rotate, warp, flip and skew the image, and change the orientation of the scaling you apply. Runtime: 00:03:13 Views: 4,966	00:03:13
Advanced Content-Aware Scale Advanced Content-Aware Scale This movie shows how Photoshop can intelligently transform an image using content aware scaling. It protects masked areas, allowing you to change the shape of an image without distorting key parts. Runtime: 00:02:29 Views: 1,398	00:02:29
Puppet Warp Puppet Warp Discover the power of Puppet Warp in transforming an image. Create a mesh over an isolated object and move parts of the structure around to change various elements and get the image you need. Runtime: 00:02:21 Views: 1,757	00:02:21
Transforming Smart Objects Transforming Smart Objects Learn how to apply Free Transform to Smart Objects so that you keep the images' original resolutions as you resize, allowing for greater flexibility. Runtime: 00:01:59 Views: 1,151	00:01:59
Selection tools and techniques
Selection Basics Selection Basics This video demonstrates Photoshop's marquee tools, showing you how to make and adjust rectangular and elliptical selections. Then find out how to save and go back to your preferred selections. Runtime: 00:02:50 Views: 1,418	00:02:50
Quick Selection Tool Quick Selection Tool The Quick Selection tool automatically detects the edges of shapes within an image. This movie shows you the best way of using it to quickly and accurately refine your photos. Runtime: 00:01:29 Views: 2,754	00:01:29
Magic Wand Tool Magic Wand Tool This video demonstrates the strengths of the Magic Wand tool and guides you through the best sampling options to make an accurate selection, comparing it to how Quick Selection is used. Runtime: 00:02:36 Views: 3,751	00:02:36
Color Range Command Color Range Command The Color Range command is the best way to make a color-based selection. Build and adjust your mask and then use it to apply localized changes to your image. Runtime: 00:02:25 Views: 1,016	00:02:25
Adjusting Skin Tones Adjusting Skin Tones This movie shows how the Color Range selection tool can be applied specifically to skin tones so that it isolates facial features, allowing you to make much more targeted adjustments to portraits. Runtime: 00:01:50 Views: 3,372	00:01:50
Quick Mask Mode Quick Mask Mode Quick mask mode allows you to visualize how a mask will be applied and gives you various tools more easily refine the edges of complex selections for greater accuracy. This video shows you how. Runtime: 00:03:12 Views: 2,944	00:03:12
Pen Tool Pen Tool This video demonstrates how the Pen tool allows you to create vector-based masks, which work especially well for curved subjects. Runtime: 00:02:47 Views: 1,368	00:02:47
Refine Edge Command Refine Edge Command Learn how to make any selection better with the Refine Edge command, particularly on tricky subjects like fur. Adjust the radius it picks up to remove rough edges and create a mask that has a gentler blend. Runtime: 00:02:04 Views: 2,336	00:02:04
Selecting with a Channel Selecting with a Channel This movie explains how you can use existing channels to make an selection to which you can make adjustments, apply a mask and extract for use in other cases. Runtime: 00:02:01 Views: 719	00:02:01
Calculations Command Calculations Command The Calculations command gives you the power to make a selection based on two channels, allowing you to easily select an object from a contrasting background, then use a brush to refine your mask. Runtime: 00:04:36 Views: 558	00:04:36
Painting and drawing tools
Spot Color Channels Spot Color Channels You may want parts of an image printed with specific inks, such as Pantone colors. This video shows you how to prepare files for specialty printing or insertion into a page layout program. Runtime: 00:01:34 Views: 629	00:01:34
Designing with Kuler Designing with Kuler This video shows how the Kuler utility can be used when working with color to import themes, adjust palettes and save swatches, using other people's inspiration and adding your own to the online community. Runtime: 00:02:33 Views: 2,326	00:02:33
The Eyedropper Tool The Eyedropper Tool Discover how to create great new colors using the Eyedropper tool. Sample parts of an image, use the tool's comparison feature to get interactive feedback, and then name and store the swatch. Runtime: 00:01:44 Views: 2,093	00:01:44
Creating Custom Brushes Creating Custom Brushes In this movie learn how to create your own custom brushes from scanned textures, load and apply create natural media type strokes. You can even adjust the shape, size and spacing for effect. Runtime: 00:03:52 Views: 1,190	00:03:52
Using the Color Replacement Tool Using the Color Replacement Tool Learn the best way to use Color Replacement brush, a feature that combines both selection and paint tools to allow you to quickly change the color or a selected area. Runtime: 00:02:14 Views: 4,517	00:02:14
Using the Mixer Brush Using the Mixer Brush This video demonstrates how the Mixer brush interactively blends separate colors as though they were wet, creating a painterly effect. Clean your brush to resample the colors for ultimate control. Runtime: 00:03:15 Views: 1,087	00:03:15
History Brush History Brush Make use of the History brush, an interesting way to blend multiple states of an image together. Paint backwards in time to restore details of the image through applied effects. Runtime: 00:02:24 Views: 545	00:02:24
Designing Custom Gradients Designing Custom Gradients This movie guides you through the steps to create your own custom gradients, adding different color stops and changing the opacity, center points, angles and styles. Runtime: 00:04:44 Views: 1,301	00:04:44
Gradient Maps Gradient Maps Gradient maps are great for adding tint or tone to an image. This video shows how you can use this tool to get sepia and duotone effects. Runtime: 00:03:06 Views: 776	00:03:06
Vector Drawing Tools Vector Drawing Tools Photoshop has a whole suite of vector drawing tools. In this movie, learn how to use them to create custom shapes, strokes and open up new creative options, particularly for more illustrative tasks. Runtime: 00:03:35 Views: 1,159	00:03:35
Layer masking
Layer Masking Layer Masking This video gives you the essentials for creating and applying a layer mask. Discover how to ensure accurate edges, switch the mask off and on, and save the mask with the image for later use. Runtime: 00:01:51 Views: 2,979	00:01:51
Refine Edge Command for Fine Edges Refine Edge Command for Fine Edges Refine Edge can be used to touch up an existing mask. Here we see how it can analyze textured edges and apply feathering to best handle complicated transitions between shapes. Runtime: 00:01:36 Views: 1,024	00:01:36
Color Range Command and Masking Color Range Command and Masking Learn how to apply the Color Range command to build an accurate selection. This masking technique allows you to apply non-destructive changes to specific areas and touch up your image as you go. Runtime: 00:04:02 Views: 667	00:04:02
Calculations for Masking Calculations for Masking The Calculations tool is an excellent way to create a mask to knock out the sky from an image. This video demonstrates how to create and refine a mask for the purpose of creating this transparency. Runtime: 00:01:55 Views: 625	00:01:55
Adjusting Content Within a Mask Adjusting Content Within a Mask Once you've applied a mask you may want to update the content within it. Learn how to uncouple an image's content from the mask itself to give greater flexibility in your adjustments. Runtime: 00:01:28 Views: 14,965	00:01:28
Compositing with layers
Using Random Fills Using Random Fills Photoshop CS6 offers a new engine that harnesses images and patterns to create fills, offering different arrangements to give some great effects particularly suited to graphic design or collage oriented projects. Runtime: 00:02:55 Views: 542	00:02:55
Layer Organization Layer Organization Learn how to get the most from the Layers panel: use it to align objects, group them to behave as a single unit, lock them in different ways label, and label them with specific colors. Runtime: 00:02:24 Views: 716	00:02:24
Create a Panorama Create a Panorama In this movie discover how Photoshop can automate the alignment and merging of multiple photos to create a panoramic composite. Runtime: 00:01:52 Views: 1,609	00:01:52
Repairing Panoramic Images with the Adaptive Wide... Repairing Panoramic Images with the Adaptive Wide Angle Command This video lays out many of the newer methods you can use to fix perspective issues in composite panoramas, straighten out areas of distortion and fill in blank spaces. Runtime: 00:07:16 Views: 1,168	00:07:16
Auto-Align Command Auto-Align Command You may have to capture a subject as two separate images. Here we see how Photoshop can automatically align these images and adjust the exposure to create a seamless whole. Runtime: 00:02:08 Views: 704	00:02:08
Layer Comps Layer Comps Layer Comps allows you to store the condition of separate layers, including their position, visibility and layer style. This can allow you to present different design ideas within a single document. Runtime: 00:02:31 Views: 655	00:02:31
Using blending modes
Blending Modes in Action Blending Modes in Action Blending modes allow for the mixing of layers. This movie shows how you can apply them in different ways across several images and experiment to achieve a multiplicity of effects. Runtime: 00:02:45 Views: 662	00:02:45
Adding Spice with Blending Modes Adding Spice with Blending Modes This video demonstrates how blending modes can be used to spice up an image. Adjust the opacity to blend two different effects and create a custom look that makes your image pop. Runtime: 00:01:52 Views: 463	00:01:52
Corner Pinning an Image Corner Pinning an Image See how corner pinning and blending modes can help integrate separate images; transform shapes, toggle through effects and adjust the opacity to remap objects to the surface within the photo. Runtime: 00:01:36 Views: 2,142	00:01:36
Filters and Blending Modes Filters and Blending Modes Filters can combine with blending modes; this movie shows you how to use this feature to non-destructively create different effects and stylized, artistic looks, pushing your filters a lot further. Runtime: 00:08:46 Views: 1,378	00:08:46
Color correction and enhancements
Levels Command Levels Command Fix issues like color balance and incorrect exposure very quickly using the levels command. Here we see how to alter blacks, whites, contrast, and midtones with this easy to use tool. Runtime: 00:01:35 Views: 738	00:01:35
Correcting Color Cast with Levels Correcting Color Cast with Levels Levels can provide powerful color correction tools. Learn how to interpret the histogram, add a levels adjustment layer to balance an image's color, and toggle it off and on to see the result of your changes. Runtime: 00:02:04 Views: 1,014	00:02:04
Adjusting Levels per Channel Adjusting Levels per Channel This movie shows how you can isolate changes to a per channel adjustment. This can be applied to masked areas and makes it easier to fix color cast issues limited to specific places. Runtime: 00:03:59 Views: 530	00:03:59
Working with Curves Working with Curves Master Curve Adjustments to selectively alter the contrast and exposure within an image. This tool gives you more points of control than a simple Layers adjustment, expanding your creative scope. Runtime: 00:01:31 Views: 927	00:01:31
Tinting a Photo Tinting a Photo Learn how you can use Photoshop to get the popular hand tint effect in this video. Build it in reverse on a color image by isolating areas and using adjustment layers to non-destructively apply different tints. Runtime: 00:03:32 Views: 657	00:03:32
Vibrance Vibrance This video compares the strengths of the Vibrance slider with Hue/Saturation and shows how to use these tools together. Vibrance is particularly useful for bringing out colors without affecting skin tones. Runtime: 00:01:37 Views: 474	00:01:37
Black and White Adjustments Black and White Adjustments Discover how to use color channels to get the perfect balance of light and dark for monochrome images. Instead of simply stripping out color, here you will see how to achieve dramatic black and white photos. Runtime: 00:02:13 Views: 1,493	00:02:13
Creative Sepia Tones Creative Sepia Tones This movie explores the different options available to create a sepia tone on your images. Experiment with Gradient Maps, Actions, and Color Lookup Adjustments to find an effect that suits your image. Runtime: 00:03:23 Views: 1,152	00:03:23
Stealing Sunsets Stealing Sunsets Learn how you can use the colors in one image to affect another with a Gradient Map. Sample the colors you wish to apply, and experiment with blending and opacity to find the best fit for the new image. Runtime: 00:02:32 Views: 470	00:02:32
Shadows/Highlights Shadows/Highlights This video demonstrates how you can quickly process and lift shadow areas while darkening highlights that may be overexposed. See how you can limit adjustments and apply them as a Smart Filter. Runtime: 00:02:41 Views: 6,204	00:02:41
Merge to High Dynamic Range Pro Merge to High Dynamic Range Pro Here we see how the Merge to HDR Pro tool to combines multiple exposures to create one high dynamic range image. Photoshop allows you to automatically align the images and apply different presets to bring out different details and effects. Runtime: 00:03:04 Added: May 24, 2013 Views: 1,961	00:03:04
Equalize Equalize Quickly give an image more contrast with the Equalize adjustment. Learn how to blend this adjusted image with the original to add punch without looking overprocessed. Runtime: 00:00:56 Views: 568	00:00:56
Recovering a Raw File Recovering a Raw File RAW files contain within them a surprising amount of information. Here we see how Adobe Camera Raw can go a long way toward recovering detail that may appear lost to over- or underexposure. Runtime: 00:01:21 Views: 364	00:01:21
Lens Correction in Raw Lens Correction in Raw Camera Raw gives you several lens correction options. Here we see how you can use a photo's metadata to apply automatic changes for specific lenses you've used, or instead apply corrections manually. Runtime: 00:02:49 Views: 393	00:02:49
Removing Noise in a Raw File Removing Noise in a Raw File This video demonstrates how you can clean up a good deal of noise when processing a RAW photo by using the Color and Luminance sliders. Runtime: 00:01:41 Views: 512	00:01:41
Repairing and improving photos
Cloning Cloning See the Cloning tool in action in this video and discover how to remove unwanted pixels. A separate layer makes it easy to isolate and create a smooth, blended effect. Runtime: 00:01:48 Views: 1,189	00:01:48
Content-Aware Patching Content-Aware Patching This movie demonstrates the new option the Patch tool offers for content aware filling. This makes it easy to target an area for removal, patch it over, and then seamlessly blend it with the rest of the image. Runtime: 00:01:15 Views: 802	00:01:15
Content-Aware Fill/Scale/Heal Content-Aware Fill/Scale/Heal Photoshop offers various content-aware tools including Fill, Scale and Heal. By analyzing the pixels surrounding the area you're working on, they make it easy to add adjustments that look natural. Runtime: 00:05:21 Views: 1,376	00:05:21
Content-Aware Move Content-Aware Move The Content-Aware Move tool is a great way to seamlessly reposition elements from a photo. Here we see how to select and move objects with this tool to recompose your photos. Runtime: 00:01:33 Views: 699	00:01:33
Blur and Sharpen Blur and Sharpen This movie teaches how the Blur and Sharpen tools can be applied non-destructively by using layers to soften textures and sharpen details in your images. Runtime: 00:01:31 Views: 713	00:01:31
Blur Gallery Explored Blur Gallery Explored Learn how you can creatively apply different Blur tools. Here we see how to apply the Bokeh slider, Iris and Tilt Shift Blurs to focus the viewer's gaze, enhance colors and add blooming to highlights. Runtime: 00:03:50 Views: 371	00:03:50
Dodge and Burn Dodge and Burn The Dodge and Burn tools let you selectively tone an image. As these are destructive changes, this video shows how to use them with layers in a way that will allow you to return to your original image. Runtime: 00:01:44 Views: 618	00:01:44
Lens Correction Lens Correction This video demonstrates how to use the Lens Correction filter to remove distortion. This tool can fix many problems including fisheye, perspective issues, chromatic aberration and edge vignetting. Runtime: 00:02:10 Views: 542	00:02:10
Adaptive Wide-Angle Correction Adaptive Wide-Angle Correction Here we show how Adaptive Wide-Angle correction can be applied non-destructively to adjust for lens distortion caused by using a wide-angle lens, and be used to straighten the image. Runtime: 00:05:26 Views: 446	00:05:26
Restore a Damaged Photo Restore a Damaged Photo This movie presents a range of techniques to repair damage to photos including cracks and blemishes. It also teaches how to bring out the detail in old photos by adjusting contrast and saturation. Runtime: 00:05:27 Views: 1,768	00:05:27
Replacing Skies Replacing Skies Here you can find out how to replace blown out skies with an alternate backdrop. Then apply a little bit of color spill to bring out details in the scene and ensure that the composite matches. Runtime: 00:03:32 Views: 920	00:03:32
Vanishing Point Vanishing Point This movie gives an overview of the Vanishing Point tool, which adds an element of perspective to the Clone Stamp tool for more natural-looking corrections. Runtime: 00:01:28 Views: 2,553	00:01:28
Using the type tool
Formatting Text Formatting Text Here we see the different options Photoshop's type engines offer for tracking, size, scale, color and alignment. It explains point and paragraph text and where you would use them. Runtime: 00:02:35 Views: 1,030	00:02:35
Warped Text Warped Text Photoshop has some great warping features, and this movie shows how they can be applied to text. It demonstrates the presets you can use, and how to customize these settings to truly modify them. Runtime: 00:01:35 Views: 584	00:01:35
3D Text 3D Text Photoshop CS6 Extended offers a powerful 3D extrusion tool. Here we see how to use it with text to great effect, adjusting contours, angles and width for maximum impact. Runtime: 00:04:54 Views: 1,868	00:04:54
Layer styles
Type Effects Type Effects Here we see how layer effects can open up a lot of different options when applied to text. With just a single click you can apply a wide range of styles, including shadows, textures, and beveled edges. Runtime: 00:02:16 Views: 572	00:02:16
Photo Effects Photo Effects Styles aren't just for text; they can also be used for photos. This movie shows how to use this feature for photo effects including custom pattern and hue overlays and burnt edges. Runtime: 00:03:12 Views: 482	00:03:12
Maximizing filters
Smart Filters Smart Filters This video showcases how filters can be combined to create a new overall look. Here we see how different blend modes and Smart Filters can be used together to give you a lot of flexibity. Runtime: 00:01:45 Views: 365	00:01:45
Fading a Filter Fading a Filter Here we see how blending modes can be useful for filters. Discover how to combine effects in a way that allows you to work non-destructively, giving flexibility in reediting. Runtime: 00:02:31 Views: 311	00:02:31
Blur Tools Combined Blur Tools Combined In this movie we see how the Blur Gallery filters can be combined. You can adjust the transition zones, and the Field, Tilt Shift and Iris blurs interact with each other to give you more options as you design. Runtime: 00:02:36 Views: 474	00:02:36
Masking Smart Filters Masking Smart Filters Smart Filters can be masked so that they only affect certain areas of your photo. This video shows how masks can be used to further refine and isolate how new effects are applied. Runtime: 00:02:40 Views: 422	00:02:40
Oil Paint Oil Paint The new Oil Paint filter is a fantastic way to add a painterly look to your images. Discover the range of stroke textures it offers, and find out how to add a pattern adjustment layer to create a canvas effect. Runtime: 00:03:03 Views: 611	00:03:03
Actions and automation
Creating an Action Creating an Action Actions are a great way to capture your creativity, whether you know exactly what you want or are just experimenting. Every step you take is captured in the Actions panel and saved to play back later. Runtime: 00:02:25 Views: 830	00:02:25
Batch Processing Batch Processing The batch command saves you time by quickly applying an action to several photos at once. This video shows you how to master this process for a more efficient workflow. Runtime: 00:04:34 Views: 1,713	00:04:34
Create a Slideshow in Photoshop Create a Slideshow in Photoshop There are several methods to create automated or controlled slideshows in Photoshop without the need for any presentation software. This video shows you two ways: the Actions Panel and Adobe Bridge. Runtime: 00:03:55 Views: 3,197	00:03:55
Image Processor Script Image Processor Script This movie give you a fast way to process a large number of images for output. This is great for processing RAW files, adapting images for devices such as iPads, and applying copyright to metadata. Runtime: 00:02:21 Views: 389	00:02:21
Export Layers to Files Script Export Layers to Files Script Learn how you can save multiple layers to separate files, a great feature for creating animations, Powerpoint presentations, or simply backing up individual layers. Runtime: 00:01:22 Views: 905	00:01:22
Adobe Output Module & Bridge Adobe Output Module & Bridge The Output Module can offer so much more than slideshows. Here we see how it can be used to create contact sheets, two-by-two type prints or a customizable Web gallery. Runtime: 00:02:31 Views: 445	00:02:31
Printing, PDF, and specialized file types
Save For Web Save For Web The Save for Web dialog box gives you the chance to select the output file type and adjust the size of the images. It allows you to create an optimized version for the Web without altering your original image. Runtime: 00:02:12 Views: 979	00:02:12

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