Layers & Masks Flashcards

When you clip a layer to the one below using a clipping mask, the bottom layer acts as:

Answer: A base whose transparency defines the clipped layer's visibility

In a clipping mask, the base layer's pixel transparency acts as the mask shape, revealing only where the base has opaque pixels.

What is the keyboard shortcut to create a clipping mask from the current layer to the one below?

Answer: Ctrl/Cmd+Alt/Option+G

Ctrl/Cmd+Alt/Option+G creates a clipping mask, linking the current layer's visibility to the opaque areas of the layer directly below.

Which layer blend mode is commonly used to apply a texture layer while only affecting the luminosity of layers below?

Answer: Luminosity

Luminosity blend mode applies the brightness (luminance) of the blend layer while keeping the hue and saturation of the layers beneath.

A vector mask differs from a layer mask because it:

Answer: Is resolution-independent and defined by paths

Vector masks use resolution-independent Bezier paths to define the visible area, resulting in sharp, scalable edges unlike pixel-based layer masks.

What does increasing the Fill slider (not Opacity) of a layer do?

Answer: Reduces pixel transparency while keeping layer effects at full strength

Fill controls only the layer's pixel opacity, leaving any applied layer styles (like drop shadows or strokes) at full opacity.

Which option in the Layer Style dialog allows a layer's effect to be applied only within its own pixels (not beyond)?

Answer: Blending Options > Blend Interior Effects as Group

'Blend Interior Effects as Group' in Blending Options merges interior effects with the layer's content before applying the blend mode.

To target a layer mask for painting without deselecting the layer, you should:

Answer: Click the mask thumbnail once

Clicking the mask thumbnail once in the Layers panel makes the mask active (highlighted with a border) so brush strokes edit the mask.