Applying layer mask to just one layer

[Shane Slater]

Hi guys, very new here.

In this screenshot i'm basically trying to make the hands fade, as they are (done using layer mask and gradient tool), but then having the mask apply only to the hands. The aim is to have something in the background and not having the hands transparent to it, and the background image unaffected by the fade.

Here's is an example...The line is on a layer below but still affected by the mask and seen above the hands.


Thank you in advance

 

[fredfish]

I think you need to use clipping.

Right click on the layer and select "Create clipping mask" then the mask will only affect the layer it is clipped to.

Cheers

 

[IamSam]

In this screenshot i'm basically trying to make the hands fade, as they are (done using layer mask and gradient tool), but then having the mask apply only to the hands. The aim is to have something in the background and not having the hands transparent to it, and the background image unaffected by the fade.

There are two ways of of doing this.

You have to place the white line layer above the hands layer and add another layer mask to white line layer using the hands as a selection.



However you will see the blunted ends of the hands because the layer mask on the hands layer is not affecting the white line layer.
You can eliminate the blunting by using the Brush Tool and a soft brush set to white on the White lines layer mask.




If you you want to fade the ends of the white lines.......
You add a radial gradient to the white lines layer mask.

 

[Shane Slater]

That is excellent, thank you!