Masking from channels

Create masks based on channel information to selectively apply and mask adjustments and filters to your compositions.

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Masking and channels

Masking using channel information is a great alternative to working with selections, where parts of compositions can be fine-tuned with more precision. Extracting pixel information from only certain areas, whilst excluding others from adjustments, is naturally where masking from channels can help. This is particularly true if the areas to extract pixel information from are complex and so other methods of working (such as using Flood Select or Selection Brush tools) take too long or aren't accurate enough.

To apply a masked adjustment based on channel information:
  1. On the Channels panel, select the channel that upon preview (when tapped) provides the most contrasting image.
  2. Edit Menu Tap Edit on the selected channel, then choose Load to Pixel Selection.
  3. On the Layers panel, tap Add>Mask Layer.
  4. On the Channels panel, toggle visibility of Red, Green and Blue Channels back on.
  5. On the Layers panel, select the image mask layer and apply an adjustment or filter, as required.
  6. Drag the adjustment or filter layer and offer it to the thumbnail of the image layer.

Adding an Adjustment or Filter (as required) will limit its effect to the area selected based on channel information. Alternatively, your workflow may include an inverted selection mask to target specific and complex areas.

Selection Menu To invert mask selection:
  1. Select the mask layer.
  2. From the Selection menu, select Invert selection.

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