This wikiHow teaches you how to create a layer mask, which can be used to hide or show parts of other layers in Adobe Photoshop.
Step
![Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop Step 1 Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop Step 1](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/003/image-6211-1-j.webp)
Step 1. Open or create a Photoshop file
To do so, double-click on the blue program icon containing the letter " PS, " then click File on the menu bar at the top of the screen and:
- Click Open… to open an existing document; or
- Click New… to create a new document.
![Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop Step 2 Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop Step 2](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/003/image-6211-2-j.webp)
Step 2. Click the layer you want to mask
The "Layer" window is located at the bottom right of the screen.
![Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop Step 3 Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop Step 3](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/003/image-6211-3-j.webp)
Step 3. Draw a selection outline on the area that will remain displayed on the layer
To do so, use:
- "Marquee Tool" to make a selection outline on a wider area, the edges of the selection line do not need detail. (The "Marquee Tool" icon is a dotted line at the top of the "Tools" menu. Click-and-hold "Marquee Tool" to display all types of "Marquee Tool" in the drop-down menu); or
- "Pen Tool" to outline the selection on the edges of more detailed shapes, such as individual flower petals. (The “Pen Tool” icon is a pen tip located above the letters T on the "Tools" menu. Click-and-hold the “Pen Tool” icon to display all types of “Pen Tool” in the drop-down menu).
![Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop Step 4 Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop Step 4](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/003/image-6211-4-j.webp)
Step 4. Click the "Add Layer Mask" icon
The icon is a light gray rectangle with a dark gray circle in the center. It's located at the bottom of the "Layers" window.
If you used the “Pen Tool” to draw a selection outline, click the icon again once the label changes to "Add Vector Mask."
![Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop Step 5 Add a Layer Mask in Photoshop Step 5](https://i.how-what-advice.com/images/003/image-6211-5-j.webp)
Step 5. Save edited changes
To do so, click File on the menu bar, then click Save on the drop-down menu.