GMetrix Exam GMetrix Photoshop: Layers and Selections 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a Clipping Mask in Photoshop?
- It clips excess canvas from the document
- It confines the content of one layer to the shape of the layer below (Correct answer)
- It merges two layers into one
- It masks a selection with black paint
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which keyboard shortcut inverts the current selection in Photoshop?
- Ctrl+I
- Ctrl+Shift+I (Correct answer)
- Ctrl+Alt+I
- Ctrl+D
Correct answer: Ctrl+Shift+I
Ctrl+Shift+I (Cmd+Shift+I on Mac) inverts the selection, swapping selected and unselected areas.
Question 3: A layer thumbnail in the Layers panel showing a gray-and-white checkerboard pattern indicates what?
- The layer is locked
- The layer contains transparent pixels (Correct answer)
- The layer is a Smart Object
- The layer has a mask applied
Correct answer: The layer contains transparent pixels
The checkerboard pattern is Photoshop's universal representation of transparent (empty) pixel areas within a layer.
Question 4: When painting on a layer mask, which color conceals (hides) the layer's content?
- White
- Gray
- Black (Correct answer)
- Red
Correct answer: Black
On a layer mask, black hides pixels, white reveals them, and gray creates partial transparency.
Question 5: Which Photoshop feature allows you to non-destructively adjust brightness and contrast on a layer without permanently changing pixel data?
- Applying Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast directly
- Adding a Brightness/Contrast Adjustment Layer (Correct answer)
- Using Edit > Fade after applying the adjustment
- Merging the layer before adjusting
Correct 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.
Question 6: What does the Lasso tool's 'Feather' option do to a selection?
- Expands the selection outward
- Creates a hard-edged border
- Softens the selection edge with a gradual transition (Correct answer)
- Locks the selection to straight lines
Correct 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.
Question 7: In the Layers panel, what does the small padlock icon on the Background layer signify?
- The layer is password protected
- The layer cannot be moved, deleted, or made transparent by default (Correct answer)
- The layer is linked to another layer
- The layer has a pixel lock applied
Correct 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.
GMetrix Exam GMetrix Photoshop: Layers and Selections 3
What is the purpose of a Clipping Mask in Photoshop?