ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the different tools that can be used for creating composite photographs as well as the intricacies of working with layers, channels, mask channels and pen paths. Then it focuses some of the basic principles such as how to make a selection and the interrelationship between selections, alpha channels, masks and the Quick Mask mode. There are good reasons for having these different ways of working and some of the practical examples in this chapter will show when it is most appropriate to use either of these two main methods to mask an image. The chapter explains few example of how the Properties panel in Masks mode can be used to modify pixel or vector layer masks and the Properties panel Masks mode controls are all identified in it. Finally the chapter has the Output section, which determines how the masked image layer blends with the image layers below it.
