Learning Layer masks

[Jayell]

After recently switching from PSE7 to PS-CS5, I'm fascinated with Layer Masks .. and found a Lynda.com "Layer Masks in Depth" tutorial .. but it's taught in CS4. Does anyone know if there were major changes to Layer Masks in CS5 that would preclude me from benefiting from a CS4 tutorial (or making it confusing).

[Steve Grisetti]

They shouldn't be significantly different. At least the principles are the same.

BTW, Adobe also added Layer Masks to Photoshop Elements 9!

[Jayell]

They shouldn't be significantly different. At least the principles are the same.

Yes, I figured that. And I think I actually know enough about Layer Masks to work my way through it even if there are some differences. I just hate to make a big decision without checking in here first. Thanks, Steve

BTW, Adobe also added Layer Masks to Photoshop Elements 9!

That's interesting .. since that's a major feature of PSPro.

[Bob]

You shouldn't have any problems. Layer mask capabilities are pretty much the same between the CS4 and CS5 versions. If you use the CS5 refine mask feature, just be aware that the refine edges option brings up the new CS5 refine edges dialog.

[Jayell]

Thanks, Bob. Figured it couldn't be too different.
I am still so awed by what can be done in Photoshop!

[Bill Hunt]

We see Layer Masks as a function, that has been around for several versions, but in reality, they are a "concept." The ability to mask with Alpha Channels has been around from about PS 3.0, but the ability to attach them to a Layer is a bit newer.

For me, just behind Layers, Layer Masks are one of the most important additions to PS, since its release.

Over the years, about the only addition was the inclusion of the Add Layer Mask icon in the Layers Palette. There might be little additional functions and maybe a little "wizard" here, or there, but the concept is the exact same.

Once one gets that concept, they will very likely never work without Layer Masks. They make life so very easy, and allow for editing years later, so long as one has Saved the working file as a PSD.

I cannot tell you exactly what has changed/been added in PS 5/5.1, as I have been waiting for my new laptop to install.

Good luck,

Hunt