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Photoshop & Graphic Design · Module 4 of 10

Layers and masks

Edit non-destructively with layers and masks.

📖 Key ideas

  1. Layers stack elements independently.
  2. Layer masks hide parts of a layer without deleting pixels (black hides, white shows).
  3. Adjustment layers change colour/tone non-destructively.
  4. Smart Objects preserve original quality when scaling.
  5. Group and name layers to stay organised.
💡 Real-life example: Layers are transparent sheets stacked on a table; masks are stencils deciding what shows.
LayerIndependent image sheet
Layer maskHides/reveals parts of a layer
Adjustment layerNon-destructive edit layer
Smart ObjectLayer preserving source data