[Gimp-user] Layer masks

[Dede1943 <forums gimpusers com>]

> Dede1943 writes:
> I haven't watched the video (I'm on a slow connection right now); but
> from those steps, it sounds like you have two identical layers, one
> above the other, and you're painting on the layer mask of the upper
> layer to make some of that layer transparent. But if the layer
> underneath it is another copy of the same layer, painting on the
> layer mask won't have any visible effect. You're making the layer
> invisible to see through it to a layer that looks identical.
>
> When I use layer masks in this way, I add a few steps between your
> steps 2 and 3:
>
> 2.1. Hide the original layer, so I'm working on the backup.
> 2.2. Create a new layer -- I tend to use a solid, garish color like
>     magenta or bright green, something that will contrast a lot
>     with the layer I'm masking.
> 2.3. Move the new sold-color layer to the bottom of the stack.
>
> You don't have to create the solid color layer (steps 2.2 and 2.3
> are optional), but it makes it a lot easier to tell whether you've
> erased completely.
>
> Now proceed with creating the layer mask and painting on it, and you
> should see parts of the magenta (or whatever) layer appear. When
> you're happy with your layer mask, you can hide or delete the
> solid-color layer.
>
>        ...Akkana
Thanks so much for the assistance-very helpful

-- 
Dede1943 (via www.gimpusers.com/forums)