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Posted on 09/11/10 11:37:44 AM  | 
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					markegerton
 * Posts: 4 Reply  | 
				
					smoothing layer masks
					 hi everybody, i'm currently working my way through 'how to ...' third edition, i'm doing ok but i am stuck on page 58, smoothing a fist against a background step 1, click on layer name to load selection,no problem, then make a layer mask and inverse the selection, here is where i'm struggling, if you load selection then add layer mask you cannot inverse it, its greyed out. I know its me missing something obvious, but can anyone help?  | 
Posted on 09/11/10 12:43:22 PM  | 
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					Jota120
 Ingenious Inventor Posts: 2615 Reply  | 
				
					Re: smoothing layer masks
					 Hi Mark, You mean chapter 3 Texture with layer modes? I'm a bit confused (happens   ). Did you take the PSD file from the DVD? The mask for the jacket is in there. Its all about Clipping Masks, very useful. If create a new layer above the one with the mask you can turn it into a clipping mask using shortcuts Steve gives or right click to get dropdown menu and select Clipping Mask. 
If you want to edit the mask to smooth that is another issue and even more fun ![]()  | 
Posted on 09/11/10 1:30:42 PM  | 
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					Steve Caplin
 Administrator Posts: 7072 Reply  | 
				
					Re: smoothing layer masks
					 You should inverse the selection before you make a layer mask. But if you've done it the other way round, no problem - simply invert the layer mask after you've made it.  | 
Posted on 09/11/10 2:06:00 PM  | 
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					markegerton
 * Posts: 4 Reply  | 
				
					Re: smoothing layer masks
					
 thanks for the replies, i've got it now, load selection>inverse>feather>alt/add layer mask doing that softens the hand ,thanks for the help  | 
Posted on 09/11/10 2:08:21 PM  | 
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					markegerton
 * Posts: 4 Reply  | 
				
					Re: smoothing layer masks
					
 thanks for your reply, it isnt the section on clipping masks i had trouble with thats on page 50, but i sussed it now-see below , thanks again mate  |