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Photoshop

Channels and Masks

Overview

In this module, you'll learn how to create and edit alpha channels. These channels are stored in the image file and you can use them to load selections or masks. Quick masks are another way of refining selections and you can use the painting and editing tools to do this. A permanent form of mask is a layer mask that lets you protect part of a layer while modifying another part. You can also use them to create graduated areas of transparency on a layer.

Here is a summary of the topics in this module:

(1) Channels

Learn about colour and alpha channels in this lecture and how they affect the file size.

(2) Channels Panel

The Channels panel is used to view colour and alpha channels. You can duplicate or delete alpha channels using the options in this panel.

(3) Saving Selections

If you've created a selection that you may need to use again, you can save it for later use. An exercise will guide you through the procedures for saving a selection as an alpha channel using both the menu command and the Channels panel.

(4) Loading Selections from Channels

The Load Selection dialog lets you load selections into an image and has options for combining a new selection with an existing one.

(5) Editing Channels

Once you've created an alpha channel, you can edit it directly. In a practice exercise, you'll edit a channel to create a glow effect coming from a shell.

(6) Quick Mask Mode

Creating a selection in Quick Mask mode lets you use the painting tools, such as the paintbrush, to define a selection area. This provides the greatest number of options for refining a selection and you can view the quick mask against the image. A practice exercise will acquaint you with quick masks.

(7) Layer Masks

A layer mask can be used for two purposes. You can use it to paint out unwanted portions of a layer with the option of painting them back in at any given time. You can also use a mask to protect an area of a layer while editing an unprotected area. This lecture includes an exercise in which you'll create a composite image using a mask.

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Photoshop - TOC - Introduction - Books -
[ Channels and Masks ] - Links - Questions -
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Photoshop - TOC - Introduction - Books -
[ Channels and Masks ] - Links - Questions -
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 -