What is a layer mask?
A layer mask is a feature of digital art that allows parts of a layer to be hidden without being erased for good. This allows us to fine-tune a drawing or part of a drawing without losing what has already been done. Layer masks can be adjusted over and over, hiding parts of a drawing and then being removed again to bring those parts back.
A good way to think about a layer mask is as being like a Halloween mask. Putting a mask on your face conceals your real face. Take the mask off, and your face is visible again.
Unlike the case when using eraser tools, layer masks are not permanent and allow changes to be made without losing any data. We can see what a character looks like with a different hairstyle or temporarily hide parts of a background, for example. The best thing is that layer masks are easy to use and edit! In the next section, we will see how to use a layer mask.
