For Photoshop CS3, in this tutorial we show how simple masking and adjustment layers can change the way an image looks. These simple techniques can be beneficial to solve a number of problems when developing a website including topography as well as matching a certain design theme. This tutorial is for individuals that are brand new to photoshop and have not yet learned the basics.

So here we have our orange again. Lets say you want to only make part of the orange visible, or have it fade with a gradient, or change it’s color or brightness. With masks and adjustment layers you can do accomplish this easily.

First we will go over how to add a mask.

In the layers window (F7 to open if it isn’t al ready) select the layer you have an image on you want to mask then go down to the bottom of the layer window and click Add layer mask.

The button to add an adjustment layer is directly to the right of the Add layer mask button, for future reference.

Once you have done this, a small box will pop up on the layer you had selected. It will be enabled by default when you add the mask, if you deselect this layer you will have to click on the mask icon to edit the mask.

Painting over the orange with the mask enabled will cause that part of the orange to not be shown. Below is what the orange will look like when a gradient is placed on its mask. A gradient of black to transparent.

Making different length gradients, will yeild different results.

Now onto adjustment layers. Adjustment layers are layers that produce a certain effect, such as hue, brightness, etc to every layer below them. Or you can make them effect only a single layer, by using a layer clipping mask. The benefit of this is you are able to add an effect to a layer, and see what it looks like on/off. Or decide you dont like it down the line and you are able to get rid of it with ease.

As stated above, the adjustment layer button is just to the right of the add layer mask button, on the bottom of the layer window. Select the image you want to add an adjustment layer too, and click the button.

Above is our orange with an adjustment layer that changes the hue. Once your adjustment layer is created, move it above the layer you want it to effect and right click on it, select add clipping mask. This will make it only effect the layer you want it to. If you want it to effect all layers below it, do not make it a clipping mask. Below is what the layer window will look like if you have arranged the layers properly.

So there you have it, a simple explanation on masking and adjustment layers. Remember to experiment in photoshop. And visit www.webflostudios.com