GMetrix Photoshop: Layers and Selections Flashcards

What is the purpose of a Clipping Mask in Photoshop?

Answer: It confines the content of one layer to the shape of the layer below

A Clipping Mask uses the transparency of the layer directly below as a mask, so the clipped layer only shows through where the base layer has pixels.

Which keyboard shortcut inverts the current selection in Photoshop?

Answer: Ctrl+Shift+I

Ctrl+Shift+I (Cmd+Shift+I on Mac) inverts the selection, swapping selected and unselected areas.

A layer thumbnail in the Layers panel showing a gray-and-white checkerboard pattern indicates what?

Answer: The layer contains transparent pixels

The checkerboard pattern is Photoshop's universal representation of transparent (empty) pixel areas within a layer.

When painting on a layer mask, which color conceals (hides) the layer's content?

Answer: Black

On a layer mask, black hides pixels, white reveals them, and gray creates partial transparency.

Which Photoshop feature allows you to non-destructively adjust brightness and contrast on a layer without permanently changing pixel data?

Answer: Adding a Brightness/Contrast Adjustment Layer

Adjustment Layers apply tonal corrections non-destructively; the original pixel data remains unchanged and the adjustment can be edited or deleted at any time.

What does the Lasso tool's 'Feather' option do to a selection?

Answer: Softens the selection edge with a gradual transition

Feathering blurs the selection boundary, creating a soft, gradual fade between selected and unselected areas for smoother compositing.

In the Layers panel, what does the small padlock icon on the Background layer signify?

Answer: The layer cannot be moved, deleted, or made transparent by default

The Background layer is locked by default, preventing accidental moves, transparency edits, or deletion; double-clicking it converts it to a regular layer.