Layer Mask in Photoshop Elements

I'm on the beginning level of learning how to use Photoshop Elements. PSE 2
came with a scanner I bought and I played with it somewhat. Then I upgraded
to PSE 4 and became more involved. Just recently, I've upgraded again to PSE
6 and am starting to become much more serious about using PSE. I'm working
through the information in several books and am particularly learning a lot
from Philip Andrews book about PSE 6.

I understannd that PSE 6 does not include a Layer Mask capability. However,
I've downloaded and installed a Layer Mask tool. The problem I have now is
understanding what the Layer Mask is supposed to do. I find many references
to using the Layer Mask on the web, but nowhere do I find an overall
explanation of the tool's purpose. Can anyone point me to a web site that
provides an overview of Layer Mask, or provide such an overview?

GordonP

"GordonP" <gpadwick.DeleteThis@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:13ptdbojojv18bb@corp.supernews.com...
> I'm on the beginning level of learning how to use Photoshop Elements. PSE
> 2 came with a scanner I bought and I played with it somewhat. Then I
> upgraded to PSE 4 and became more involved. Just recently, I've upgraded
> again to PSE 6 and am starting to become much more serious about using
> PSE. I'm working through the information in several books and am
> particularly learning a lot from Philip Andrews book about PSE 6.
>
> I understannd that PSE 6 does not include a Layer Mask capability.
> However, I've downloaded and installed a Layer Mask tool. The problem I
> have now is understanding what the Layer Mask is supposed to do. I find
> many references to using the Layer Mask on the web, but nowhere do I find
> an overall explanation of the tool's purpose. Can anyone point me to a web
> site that provides an overview of Layer Mask, or provide such an overview?

Hi Gordon,

Layer masks allow you to do several things. One is support for overlapping,
movable objects, as when you add people to a group portrait. Another is
controlling an effect or adjustment. Duplicate the image to a new layer,
perform the effect, then use transparency or a layer mask to control the
amount and location of the effect.

BTW - since at least PSE 2, Elements has supported layer masks indirectly -
you can create an adjustment layer and group it with the image layer that
needs a mask. The layer mask tool sounds interesting - perhaps you could
provide a link to it?
--
Mike Russell - www.curvemeister.com