ACE Layers and Masking 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What distinguishes a vector mask from a pixel (layer) mask in Photoshop?
- Vector masks are resolution-dependent and pixel masks are not
- Vector masks use paths for crisp edges and remain resolution-independent (Correct answer)
- Vector masks can only be black or white
- Vector masks cannot be edited after creation
Correct answer: Vector masks use paths for crisp edges and remain resolution-independent
Vector masks are defined by paths, giving them infinitely scalable crisp edges unlike pixel masks which are resolution-dependent.
Question 2: Which command allows you to apply a luminosity-based mask derived directly from the image's tonal values?
- Load Selection from the Select menu
- Apply Image using the composite channel as source onto the mask (Correct answer)
- Gradient Map adjustment layer
- Color Range with Highlights selected
Correct answer: Apply Image using the composite channel as source onto the mask
Using Image > Apply Image with the composite channel as source onto a layer mask creates a luminosity mask derived from the image's actual tonal values.
Question 3: When you Option/Alt+drag a layer mask from one layer to another, what is the result?
- The mask is moved to the new layer and deleted from the original
- A copy of the mask is placed on the new layer (Correct answer)
- The mask is inverted and placed on the new layer
- The mask merges with any existing mask on the target layer
Correct answer: A copy of the mask is placed on the new layer
Alt+dragging a mask thumbnail copies it to the target layer while keeping the original mask intact.
Question 4: What is a 'group mask' in Photoshop?
- A mask applied to a layer group that affects all layers inside it (Correct answer)
- A mask shared between multiple layers simultaneously
- A mask created from a selection of multiple layers
- A mask applied in Quick Mask mode
Correct answer: A mask applied to a layer group that affects all layers inside it
A group mask is a layer mask added to a layer group (folder), which controls the visibility of all layers contained within that group.
Question 5: Which Photoshop command is best suited for creating precise masks from complex hair or fur using edge detection?
- Color Range
- Select and Mask workspace (Correct answer)
- Gaussian Blur on the mask
- Eraser tool at low opacity
Correct answer: Select and Mask workspace
The Select and Mask workspace provides edge detection tools specifically designed for masking fine details like hair and fur.
Question 6: You have a layer mask that hides part of the image. Pressing Ctrl+I (Cmd+I) while the mask thumbnail is selected will:
- Delete the mask
- Invert the mask, revealing hidden areas and hiding revealed areas (Correct answer)
- Disable the mask temporarily
- Convert the mask to a selection
Correct answer: Invert the mask, revealing hidden areas and hiding revealed areas
Ctrl+I inverts the layer mask, swapping what is revealed and what is hidden.
Question 7: Which method lets you load a layer mask as an active selection?
- Double-click the mask thumbnail
- Ctrl+click (Cmd+click) the mask thumbnail (Correct answer)
- Right-click and choose Select Mask
- Shift+click the mask thumbnail
Correct answer: Ctrl+click (Cmd+click) the mask thumbnail
Ctrl+clicking (Cmd+clicking on Mac) a mask thumbnail loads it as a selection, with white areas becoming selected.
ACE Layers and Masking 3
What distinguishes a vector mask from a pixel (layer) mask in Photoshop?