I want to create a mask that I can see as I go. I am making a background copy of the image and then creating a layer and then creating the mask in that layer.
As I paint the mask on the image, I can see the mask pattern I've painted in the small thumbnail on the right, but I cannot see it on the image itself. Isn't there a way I can temporarily put an opaque color that will reveal the mask on the image as I am creating it?
I know I've done this before but I am having a brain freeze at the moment and cannot figure out how to do this.
Masks (selections) are Channels, not Layers, unless it is the mask associated with an Adjustment Layer (in which case it becomes a "temporoary" Channel). You toggle visibility by clicking the "eye" icon in the Channels palette.
Masks (selections) are Channels, not Layers, unless it is the mask associated with an Adjustment Layer (in which case it becomes a "temporoary" Channel). You toggle visibility by clicking the "eye" icon in the Channels palette.
Try this: it's a little more complicated, but it should get you your results.
Create an empty layer, and fill it with red (or whatever color). Put it above the layer you want to mask out, then group the two together (ctrl-G). Then add a layer mask to the group itself, and the red will show up where the layer you're masking is showing through. Hide the red layer if you don't want to see it, and delete it when you're done.
