Expert: LizaL - 7/14/2005

Question
Sir,
   will u clear me the difference between vector and layer mask?


thank you

PRASHANT

Answer
Hi Prashant,

A layer mask is one that is resolution-dependent -- that is, it's created to modify and/or enhance the layer it's used on. An easier way to think of this is that you create a layer mask to hide (or show) something on that particular layer. You can create a layer mask by clicking on the Add Layer Mask button at the bottom of the Layers palette, or by going to the Layer pulldown menu and selecting Add Layer Mask.

Like this:
http://little-works.com/all_experts/layer_mask.mov

In this example I created a layer mask by clicking on the button on the Layers palette. Then I clicked on the mask itself in the Layers palette -- not the image, but the mask -- and I painted away most of the sky, in the image. But since I was using a layer mask, I was able to hide and show the sky. In other words, it was still there, just masked. You can right-click on a layer mask to show and use its options -- that's what I did in the little movie.


A vector mask can add a sharp-edged shape to an image. One of the most common ways to use a vector mask is with the shape tools. For example, with your image open, go to the Layer pulldown menu and select Add Vector Mask > Reveal All. Then select a shape tool, and click in your image. You can do the same thing to use the vector mask's options -- that is, to enable or disable it -- just right-click on the mask itself, in the Layers palette.

Like this:
http://little-works.com/all_experts/vector_mask.mov


Hope this helps!

Lisa