5.3.7. Applying masks to effects

Any effect can be masked to limit the area of the layer that the effect will be applied to. Effects masks are edited the same way as layer masks, but are created differently.

At the top of each effect, as shown above, the Mask button is located all the way to the right of the effect name. Once applied, each kind of mask can be edited the same way as its equivalent layer mask.

• Mask menu: Click this icon to open the Mask menu and select the kind of mask you want.
  • Gradient Mask: Creates a mask with a large feather, based on a linear gradient. The direction and intensity of the gradient can be adjusted.
    Learn more about gradient masks
  • Area Mask: A quick option for creating rectangular or elliptical masks.
    Learn more about area masks
  • Vector Mask: Allows you to draw a specific mask shape, in any shape you desire.
    Learn more about vector masks
  • Image Color Mask: Creates a mask based on a selected color. A pipette is used to select a specific color from the layer, and you can then adjust the range of colors that are included in the mask.
    Learn more about image color masks
  • Image Luminance Mask: Creates a mask based on tonal value. Either the brightest areas or the darkest areas of the image can be removed.
    Learn more about image luminance masks