Technical data

Using Layers and Masks 71
3 Applying changes to the layer
Once you’re satisfied with the appearance of the layer as seen with the
mask enabled, you can choose Merge Mask from the Layers menu to
make the changes permanent.
Of course, you may choose to delete the mask (choose Delete Mask
from the Layers menu) without applying changes... perhaps to try again.
In either case, whether merged or deleted, the old mask is no longer
present and the layer is ready to accept a new mask.
Merging masks reduces clutter and file size, but note that the effects of
masking appear in exported images whether or not you’ve merged
masks.
HANDS ON: Vignetting
q Open BRIDGE.JPG in the PhotoPlus PROJECTS folder.
q Right-click the Background layer and choose Promote to Layer.
Now that the layer (renamed “Layer 1”) is transparent, we can
make a mask on it.
q Select the “Ellipse” Adjustable Selection tool and drag out an
elliptical selection on the image. Move the selection marquee if
necessary so that the bridge is exactly centered within it, and
double-click to confirm your selection.