Layer Masks in Elements

[Arthur53]

This maybe old news as I first saw this trick a few years ago in a photo mag.

To create a Layer Mask in Elements.
Select Create Adjustment Layer - Levels - (just) Click OK.
Drag Adjustment Layer below layer your masking
Hold ALT - Click on line between layers (when see clipping group icon)
Click in Adjustment layer thumbnail and use as a Layer Mask.

Hope this will be of help. Think this is right but if made a booboo let me know.

P.S. Im not an expert, just a user of Elements.

[miketoll]

Thanks, will try it sometime when appropriate.

[Craftysnapper]

Yep thats whats known as a clipping layer, though it a lot easier,faster and handier to install a proper layer mask in Elements.

http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/pse...ermasktool.htm

[Arthur53]

You may well be right, as I said Im not an expert. Dont know difference clipping layer / proper layer mask.
Have looked up photo mag thay call it a layer mask. So thats what I called it.
Anyway its non destructive and black and white will hide or reveal.

[Craftysnapper]

Hi Arthur, clipping layers are fine if time consuming and can get confusing when using many layers compared to normal layer masks.

Heres the difference between the two using Elements.

[Arthur53]

Hi Crafty, That dose look a lot better.
Are use useing Elements 6? I open, Effects-Photo Effects show all and dont have "Masks Layers". Jumps from Pencile Sketch to Quadrant color or am I missing something. Is it an up date?

[Craftysnapper]

Elements does not come with layers but you can download and install them (theres also instructions) from the link I gave in the first post.

[Arthur53]

Ok, I am dim.
Have downloaded. Works great. Thanks for info.
Thought link was to a tec sight about layers and would be over my head, bumbo that I am.