Layers and Masking Techniques Flashcards

Which layer blend mode makes white areas of a layer transparent while preserving dark tones?

Answer: Multiply

Multiply blend mode multiplies pixel values, making white (255) transparent and preserving or darkening other tones.

What happens when you Alt-click (Option-click on Mac) on the boundary line between two layers in the Layers panel?

Answer: A clipping mask is created between the two layers

Alt-clicking (Option-clicking) between two layers in the Layers panel creates a clipping mask, confining the top layer's content to the shape of the layer below.

In a layer mask, painting with 50% gray produces what effect on the masked layer?

Answer: The layer becomes 50% transparent

Gray values in a layer mask create partial transparency — 50% gray makes the corresponding area 50% transparent.

Which command converts a layer's transparency into a selection?

Answer: Ctrl/Cmd-clicking the layer thumbnail in the Layers panel

Ctrl-clicking (Cmd on Mac) the layer thumbnail loads the layer's transparency as a selection.

What is the purpose of a Vector Mask in Photoshop?

Answer: To mask a layer using a path or shape for a resolution-independent, scalable mask

A Vector Mask uses a path to define the visible area of a layer, remaining resolution-independent and producing crisp, scalable edges.

How do you temporarily disable a layer mask without deleting it?

Answer: Shift-click the layer mask thumbnail

Shift-clicking a layer mask thumbnail toggles it off (shown by a red X), revealing the full layer without permanently removing the mask.

Which blending option in the Layer Style dialog controls how a layer interacts with layers below it based on tonal values?

Answer: Blend If sliders

The Blend If sliders in the Layer Style dialog let you hide or reveal parts of a layer based on the tonal range of that layer or the underlying layers.