ACE Layers & Masks 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A base whose transparency defines the clipped layer's visibility

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Ctrl/Cmd+Alt/Option+G

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Luminosity

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Is resolution-independent and defined by paths

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Reduces pixel transparency while keeping layer effects at full strength

Answer

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

(ACE) Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop Practice Test