Using channel mixer for masks

[shojtsy]

There is a repeating wish that people would like to use the full scale of editing tools on masks, and handle them as grayscale layers. They are usually told that masks only have the alpha channel, and they are mistaken to think that values of alpha are considered shades of gray.

I think this is not the full story. One can use a regular pixel layer as mask, and the alpha channel (transparency) of the pixel layer will be used for masking, while ignoring the RGB channels of it. Furthermore it is possible to put a live Channel mixer adjustment on top of a pixel layer which makes it transparent based on it's luminosity. Combine these two tricks, you get a mask, where you can do every aspect of grayscale editing.

Here are the steps:

You have pixel layer A you would like to mask, and pixel layer M you would like to use as mask. You nest a Channel Mixer adjustment inside M, choose LAB channels, Alpha channel, make contribution of input Alpha 0, and contribution of input Lightness 100% into Alpha. Layer M should be above layer A. Right-click layer M, and choose Mask to Below. Bam, you have a mask pixel layer to do any edits and it's luminosity is used for masking. (beware of a GUI limitation that nested children of masks are not shown on the layers panel)

What do you think?

 

[walt.farrell]

Interesting looking technique that should prove useful. Thanks.

Perhaps, as it already works, it should have been in Tutorials rather than Feature Requests, so more of us would see it or be able to find it easily?

 

[Clifford Rourke]

This thread is over my head.  I found it looking for luminosity mask info.  A question- what would this technique be used for exactly?  I'm not clear on the meaning of gray scale editing.  Is that editing black and white photos or, something to do with "white reveals, black conceals" ?

Thanks for taking the time post on this technique.

EDIT: Went and watched/worked with the Channels videos and I believe I'm on the same page now.  The videos are found Here - Affinity Photo - Channels for Alpha Masking  and Here - Affinity Photo - Channels: Greyscale Blending.  If there are other learning opportunities you're aware of, please post.

 

Edited January 23, 2019 by Clifford Rourke
Add info on researching this topic.

[Max P]

 

I come back on this post, the first time I had not understood the subtlety...

Concerning the layer M intended to realize the future mask, it is more precise to do it according to the layer L * without colorimetric interference

therefore  go  (Channels, clear A clear BOpponoent). 

After Duplicate It is possible to invert with ctrl I,  subtract, in fact obtain real masks of luminance in 16 bit

Remenber :

L * = white (L +) vs "black" (L = 0)
a * = red (a +) vs green (a-)
b * = yellow (b +) vs blue (b-)

more...

It is possible to create a modulation of transparency (alpha) according to the opposite colors (red, green, yellow, blue ...) mixte with evenutally the luminance..

very powerful 
 

[Clifford Rourke]

All,

For the "a and m" version, so far, I get no joy.  Got it all set up, added a curves adjustment, turn the mask on and off and = no effect.  I put the curves layer above, below, nested, every place it could go and find no change switching the mask layer on and off.

Perhaps one of you could post a 'next step' for this.  What did you do next with your creation?

I didn't try Max's version as he has me completely lost.  I am not familiar with Lab color controls so there is too much "short hand" in the post for me to understand- my bad.  Again, please post the 'next step' or an example of how to use this mask making technique.  A question- does M simply get replaced with L?

Best regards,

Clifford Rourke

Edited May 22, 2019 by Clifford Rourke
Clarify comment and ask a question.

[Clifford Rourke]

Edit- removed example picts.

Edited May 22, 2019 by Clifford Rourke
Edit- removed example picts.

[Clifford Rourke]

Still puzzling, but a bit less.  I did not have the channel mixer set correctly.  Now that I have it set as suggested in the A and M method, things are working.  Please post usage images showing associated  layer stack  when so inclined.

Best regards,

Clifford Rourke