[Guide] Blending and Masking in PhotoShop

**SpornyTheAlien** · 17 Apr. 2013 01:38am

Blending in PhotoShop is incredibly simple. Masking can be a bit trickier for some people. In this guide you will learn blending and masking, as well as brush control.

Blending a watermark into your image.

Start by adding a text layer, then head on over to the side panel and subtract opacity of the text layer. You can also try blending options if needed by clicking where it says "normal" and selecting an option from the list.

Brush Selection

Brushes are VERY important for masking. Select the brush tool as indented in the left panel. Next, right click on your image and you will see sizing, hardness, and type of brush options. The size of the brush can also be controlled by using the bracket keys, [ and ].

Now I will left click to show you the effects of using a soft brush with 0% hardness.

You can change the opacity of the brush in the top panel.

Masking

Masking is important to blend things into, or out of, your photo.

Start by adding something to your photo. I created a new layer and added a black box.

Next add a mask layer by clicking the indented box (As shown in the diagram) on the bottom of the right panel.

At the bottom of the left panel you will see a foreground and background icon. Make sure the foreground is the opposite colour of the mask layer as shown in the right panel.

Now, with a brush of your choice, paint away the parts of the layer that you do not want in your image.

Congratulations, you have now successfully blended and masked in PhotoShop. If you have any questions, ask and I shall answer.