How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X

Masks are a tool that Photoshop has offered for 'eons'. Using masks is an incredible way to make more precise selections and to take your photo editing to the next level. X gives you the option at a fraction the cost of Photoshop. Open...

Part 1 of 2:

Creating a Basic Layer Mask

  1. Picture 1 of How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X
    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. Picture 2 of How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X
    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.
    Picture 3 of How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X
    1. Your basic options will be to 'Hide' or 'Reveal All'. Experiment to see what works best for you.
  4. Picture 4 of How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X
    Press B to 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.
    1. Black blocks out the area that you don't want to edit.
    2. White is where the magic happens.
Part 2 of 2:

Editing the Layer Mask with Selections

  1. Locate the Selection tools in the toolbar. For this mask, the Magic Wand is being used.
    Picture 5 of How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X
    1. 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. Picture 6 of How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X
    Start selecting what you want to edit or block out. This selection has isolated the flower.
    1. If your image has some sections that are non-contiguous (not touching each other), press Ctrl and continue making your selections.
  3. Picture 7 of How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X
    Click on the Mask icon. Since you have a selection, you will have more options.
  4. Picture 8 of How to Use Layer Masks in Zoner Photo Studio X
    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.
Update 05 March 2020
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