How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X

This updated guide examines How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Part 1of 2:

Creating a Basic Layer Mask

1. Open your image in Zoner. If you have any developing to do, do that first. In the Develop tab, you can make tonal changes and many other types of fixes. For instance, you can fix white balance here.
2. Open the Editor tab. Be sure that the Layers options are showing.
3. Make sure that the layer that you want to mask is selected. Then click on the Mask icon.
   • Your basic options will be to 'Hide' or 'Reveal All'. Experiment to see what works best for you.
4. PressBto activate your brush to paint your mask. You will need to use black or white to edit the mask. This is not the more precise way to do it, but depending on what you need to do, it can be quicker.
   • Black blocks out the area that you don't want to edit.
   • White is where the magic happens.

Part 2of 2:

Editing the Layer Mask with Selections

1. Locate the Selection tools in the toolbar. For this mask, the Magic Wand is being used.
   • If you want to be more specific about your edits, try using other Selection tools. This image was chosen because of the ease of making a selection. Some images won't be as easy to make a selection.
2. Start selecting what you want to edit or block out. This selection has isolated the flower.
   • If your image has some sections that are non-contiguous (not touching each other), pressCtrland continue making your selections.
3. Click on the Mask icon. Since you have a selection, you will have more options.
4. Experiment with what options work best for what you want. For this screenshot, 'Remove Selection from Mask' was chosen. This option would be good if you want to change the background.