Adobe Photoshop CC 2014 v.14.xx - Manual (Page 324)

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Background painted with black; description card painted with gray; basket painted with white
A vector mask creates a sharp-edged shape on a layer and is useful anytime you want to add a design element with clean, defined edges. After
you create a layer with a vector mask, you can apply one or more layer styles to it, edit them if needed, and instantly have a usable button, panel,
or other web-design element.
The Properties panel (CC, CS6) or the Masks panel (CS5) provide additional controls to adjust a mask. You can change the opacity of mask to let
more or less of the masked content show through, invert the mask, or refine the mask borders, as with a selection area.
Masks panel (CS5) and Properties panel (CC, CS6)
A. Select the filter mask. B. Add a pixel mask. C. Add a vector mask. D. Panel menu. E. Apply Mask F. Layer mask G. Vector mask
Add layer masks
When you add a layer mask, you can hide or show all of the layer, or base the mask on a selection or transparency. Later, you’ll paint on the
mask to precisely hide portions of the layer, revealing the layers beneath.
Add a mask that shows or hides the entire layer
1. Make sure that no part of your image is selected. Choose Select > Deselect.
2. In the Layers panel, select the layer or group.
3. Do one of the following:
To create a mask that reveals the entire layer, click the Add Layer Mask button in the Layers panel, or choose Layer > Layer Mask >
Reveal All.
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