Help understand masking in iOS AP please

[katerlouis]

The way I use photoshop the most, is with adjustment layers masked off completely and then drawing in what I want to show using the paint brush with low opacity and flow.

is there a similar workflow with AP on iPad?

if not: how would you guys apply a curves layer to just a specific part?

Even with a selection I don‘t see the option to turn it into a mask. The video tutorials seem to miss this topic aswell.

 

thanks!

[DM1]

Hi Katerlouis, you can do it either way in Affinity Photo.

Select the image and add your filter. Now add empty mask layer and the drag the mask layer over the filter layer. Paint in white to reveal filter effect or black to conceal. In AP an empty mask layer is effectively filled with black so conceals everything.

[DM1]

2 hours ago, katerlouis said:

Even with a selection I don‘t see the option to turn it into a mask. The video tutorials seem to miss this topic aswell.

When you refine the selection, tap the little triangle next to right side of context menu, tap it again. Now in output menu you can select output as mask, or better yet output as mask on new layer. Curve adjustment applied now will effect only selection.

[katerlouis]

Thank you very much for the great video!

Now I‘m wondering if there is a more convenient way to do the following things:

• invert the mask from white to black for an adjustment layer directly in the layers studio
  • or even start the mask already inverted?
• Is there a more comfortable way to switch between black and white while working on a mask? Maybe something like 1-finger-modifier to select the opposite color?

[DM1]

Once the mask is added the only way to 'invert' it is via Channels studio. If you want to start with the mask already 'inverted', just add an 'Empty mask' from the Layer Studio + button.

You can also add pixel layers to selections. The selection acts as a mask. Very versatile app. 

Unfortunately no simple switch between black and white, though that 'feature' has been requested.

[DM1]

On 4/29/2019 at 9:41 AM, katerlouis said:

Is there a more comfortable way to switch between black and white while working on a mask? Maybe something like 1-finger-modifier to select the opposite color?

I have found a potential workaround for fast switching between black and white when masking, and that involves the use of the pixel brush. In the context menu set the primary colour to black and secondary colour to white. Press the 'Alternate' symbol to swap between the two while painting on the mask.