Editing masks

[Jack G]

How do i edit a mask using brushes or the gradient tool so that I can see the effect as I paint?

[dmstraker]

To see the effect as you paint on the mask, just click on mask layer (which can be an adjustment) and paint b/w on it.

 

A good way to paint in an effect is to first add an adjustment layer. Then ctrl-I to invert the mask on it (so the adjustment can't be seen). Then paint in white on it (or use a gradient) to expose the adjustment (and black to 'delete'). You can also manage boundaries by doing a selection then flood fill or paint within this.

 

You can leave the adjustment dialogue box visible so you can tweak this setting as you go (or you can adjust it right at the beginning and then close it -- you can always re-open it by double-clicking the adjustment layer thumbnail.

 

To see the mask itself, alt-click on it. You can then paint b/w on it.

[MEB]

Hi Jack G,

Welcome to Affinity Forums :)

 

Select The Paint Brush Tool, pick the brush you want  - make sure the mask layer is selected in the layers panel (you may have to click on its thumbnail to select it if it's nested to an image layer) - then select  black/white/greyscale value to paint over it. The brush should give you a preview. Also If you alt-click the mask's thumbnail in the layers panel you should be able to see the mask as a greyscale image.

See this video (no sound) as I'm not sure I've addressed your question properly.

[Jack G]

Many thanks to you both. As always I found the video very useful even without any sound. I'll now go away and see if it works for me!