Did you know that 75% of consumers will make their decision to purchase a product based on the image? That puts a lot of pressure on image editors, but with high standards comes high rewards. Learning how to efficiently and quickly make edits using image masking can really be the make or break. Read on to find out how you can do exactly that.
What Is Image Masking and What Is It Used For?
Starting with the basics, image masking is a photo editing process that involves making changes to an isolated part of an image while keeping another part intact. Whether that be to brighten the focal point of an image while keeping the background intact, or indeed to remove the background entirely, the use cases for image masking are vast and a key element of photo editing today.
So, what are the use cases for masking images? Its primary use is for image background removal. This might be to replace it or just to clean it up if needed for a headshot, for example.
Aside from that, uses also include hiding all or part of a layer of the image, making selective adjustments, or adding transparencies. The key part of photo masking is that it is a non-destructive process which means no part of the image is actually being deleted, just hidden. Great news for you, if the hidden part of the image ever needs to be restored!
How to Save Time When Image Masking
So what is the image masking process, and how can you save time doing it? Essentially, there are three types of masking that are used: layer masking, clipping masking, and alpha channel masking. Each with its niches, but all are open to time-saving techniques!
First things first, use the auto-masking tool on your selected program. It’s a quick, easy and efficient way of starting the process, and some people don’t even know it exists!
Another time-saver? Select the area(s) of the image you don’t want. If you’re working with a complex outline in the focal part of the image, it will be a lot easier to select the part you want to mask. That leads nicely to the next tip: invert the mask. For situations where it’s easier to select the area you want to hide, inverting the mask will give the required outcome.
And if by ‘save time’, you mean ‘save all the time’ then what better way than to use photo masking services? Outsourcing your image masking not only frees up your time, but you have a guaranteed professional outcome with none of the hassle.
Streamline Your Image Masking Now!
Image masking is a vital part of photo editing and can transform an image while protecting the original content. Using the above tips can save you time—and as we all know: time is money. If you learned a lot from this article, be sure to check out more of our tips in our blog/technology section
