ACE Layers & Masks 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When you clip a layer to the one below using a clipping mask, the bottom layer acts as:
- A filter
- A base whose transparency defines the clipped layer's visibility (Correct answer)
- A duplicate
- A background
Correct 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.
Question 2: What is the keyboard shortcut to create a clipping mask from the current layer to the one below?
- Ctrl/Cmd+G
- Ctrl/Cmd+Alt/Option+G (Correct answer)
- Ctrl/Cmd+E
- Shift+Ctrl/Cmd+G
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which layer blend mode is commonly used to apply a texture layer while only affecting the luminosity of layers below?
- Color
- Luminosity (Correct answer)
- Hue
- Saturation
Correct answer: Luminosity
Luminosity blend mode applies the brightness (luminance) of the blend layer while keeping the hue and saturation of the layers beneath.
Question 4: A vector mask differs from a layer mask because it:
- Uses grayscale painting to hide pixels
- Is resolution-independent and defined by paths (Correct answer)
- Supports feathering by default
- Must be converted from a selection
Correct 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.
Question 5: What does increasing the Fill slider (not Opacity) of a layer do?
- Reduces the transparency of layer effects while keeping pixel transparency the same
- Reduces pixel transparency while keeping layer effects at full strength (Correct answer)
- Reduces both pixel and effect opacity equally
- Changes the blend mode
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which option in the Layer Style dialog allows a layer's effect to be applied only within its own pixels (not beyond)?
- Blend If
- Contour
- Layer Knocks Out
- Blending Options > Blend Interior Effects as Group (Correct answer)
Correct 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.
Question 7: To target a layer mask for painting without deselecting the layer, you should:
- Shift-click the mask thumbnail
- Alt/Option-click the mask thumbnail
- Click the mask thumbnail once (Correct answer)
- Double-click the layer name
Correct 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.
ACE Layers & Masks 3
When you clip a layer to the one below using a clipping mask, the bottom layer acts as: