Ok, I just learned something new that has made layer masks in Photoshop Elements much easier for me. I can’t believe I haven’t been using this all along. . . .
Sometimes you have to look very closely to see where you’ve placed subtle edits using a layer mask. But this trick makes it completely obvious where you’ve painted or what you’ve missed.
When working on an effect using a layer mask, hit alt + shift and click on the layer mask thumbnail. Everything you have painted white will look like your image, and everything black with be tinted in red. You’ll get something like this screen shot:
See how I missed a big spot on the cutie’s dress and smaller spots on her face and neck? Plus, you can see that the edges of my selection are terrible. Zooming in closely while using this view will make perfecting selections much easier.
To turn off this layer mask view, just type alt + shift and click on the layer mask again.
I think this discovery just might change my life. Or at least save me some serious time. How many of you knew about this already? What else am I missing that is a huge help in Photoshop Elements? Can you tell that I’m excited!
Hope you guys are having a relaxing Sunday.
Erin
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I read somewhere you’ll help with mcp actions on the installation, I have vista and its giving me fits. please let me know how to get in touch with who ever is the angel. Thanks Sylvia
Hi Syliva, I just sent you an email.
And the backslash key above the enter key (once pressed on a mask) will allow you to see exactly where you are painting while you are painting…
Kari´s last [type] ..Opacity is Key…
Thanks so much for the tip! I couldn’t remember the key combination to do this and it was driving me bonkers!!!
Thank you for all these fabulous PSE layer tips. I can now reference when needed. YA- -HOO!
I’m on a Mac. I get Elements 9 97% installed and I get an Error 7. I have enough space, I have the correct system requirements. Also installed on my computer is PS5, Ai, ID, Br and Lr.
Thanks!
Carol, contact Adobe for help with installing the program.