Using Layer Masks - Adobe PHOTOSHOP 5.0 User Manual

276 CHAPTER 11
Using Layers
Note that only successive layers can be included in
a clipping group. When you create a clipping
group, dotted lines appear between the grouped
layers in the Layers palette. The name of the base
layer in the group is underlined, and the thumb-
nails for the overlying layers are indented.
Applying a blending mode to an indented layer
affects only the blending of the layers within the
group. Applying a blending mode to the base layer
determines how the entire clipping group blends
with the underlying layers.
Clipping group with Layer 1 and lion layers
To create a clipping group:
Do one of the following:
1
Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS),
•
position the pointer over the solid line dividing
two layers in the Layers palette (the pointer
changes to two overlapping circles), and click.
Select a layer in the Layers palette and choose
•
Layer > Group with Previous.
Link together the desired layers in the Layers
•
palette, as described in "Linking layers" on
page 262. Then choose Layer > Group Linked.
The clipping group is assigned the opacity and
mode attributes of the bottommost layer in the
group.
To remove a layer from a clipping group:
Do one of the following:
Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS),
•
position the pointer over the dotted line
separating two grouped layers in the Layers palette
(the pointer changes to two overlapping circles),
and click.
In the Layers palette, select a layer in the clipping
•
group and choose Layer > Ungroup. This
command removes the selected layer and any
layers above it from the clipping group.
To ungroup all layers in a clipping group:
In the Layers palette, select the base layer in the
1
clipping group.
Choose Layer > Ungroup.
2

Using layer masks

You can create a layer mask to control how
different areas within a layer are hidden and
revealed. By making changes to the layer mask, you
can apply a variety of special effects to the layer
without actually affecting the pixels on that layer.
You can then apply the mask and make the
changes permanent or remove the mask without
applying the changes. You can save all layer masks
with a layered document.