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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> please help me with layer masks for Elements 4
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Showing posts 1 - 8 of 8, (reverse)
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 12/02/2006 08:54:59 AM · #1
I am trying to use a layer mask to merge two photos. I have read the tutorials and I must be missing a step that I can't figure out.

I have 2 layers, then I apply an adjustment layer to the top layer (but what adjustment? I have these options: solid color, gradient, levels, brightness/contrast, hue/sat, etc) Elements doesnt seem to simply have a layer mask adjusment.

But anyways, lets say I chose levels, with that adjustment layer highlighted, I try to paint with the black brush to bring in the lower layer...but all I get is a black painted line on the layer that is linked to the adjustment layer.

What am I not understanding??

I have always just used the eraser, but have read how the mask is better, but I can't seem to get it!!

Thanks..

12/02/2006 08:59:33 AM · #2
I don't believe Elements 4 can do layer masks. It's one of the disabled features. If you had Elements 2 or 3, there is a "hack" out there to let you do layer masks, but Adobe "fixed" the "hole" in 4 and the hack doesn't work.

I think you're out of luck. That's how they make Elements "cheaper". Sorry.
 12/02/2006 08:59:44 AM · #3
were you using the paintbrush on the mask or on the picture? If you use it on the picture it will paint black - use it on the layer mask and it should erase.

edit - nards is right. After looking at your post again what you are trying to do cant be done in PSE4. Sorry.

Message edited by author 2006-12-02 09:00:47.
 12/02/2006 09:09:25 AM · #4
Correction - possibly.

Try this file and see if it works for you. Supposedly it's an action for PSE 4 that allows layer masks.

I didn't know that they had found the way "in" to PSE 4. When I got my copy, it only worked through 3. Check out the rest of his site (//www.cavesofice.org/~grant/Challenge/Tools/index.html) to find installation and usage instructions.

Hope this helps.
 12/02/2006 09:15:42 AM · #5
thanks I'll go check out the link....

I was using the paintbrush on the adjustment layer....

It seems that 'once' it seemed to work then it began drawing black...

So if the link doesn't work, that might be the push to upgrade to elements 5?? (still can't afford photoshop.
 12/02/2006 09:43:29 AM · #6
I don't think you'll find Masks in PSE 5, either. As well, the hype about "curves" in PSE 5 is a bit deceptive; it's a "lighten shadows", "darken shadows", kind of thing, rather than a true curves adjustment.

So, not sure 5 would get you anywhere. If you really need masks and the hack doesn't work, you're probably going to be forced to either GIMP or Paintshop Pro.
 12/02/2006 10:07:15 AM · #7
You guys are the BEST!!!

Thank you for your help..IT WORKED!!!!
 12/02/2006 10:57:02 AM · #8
Originally posted by dassilem:
So if the link doesn't work, that might be the push to upgrade to elements 5?? (still can't afford photoshop.

Or you could downgrade to Elements 2. I have bought 4 and 5 and ended up going back to version 2.
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