A Complete Guide from Eagle Digitizing to Image Masking

Whether you’re creating a beautiful photo for a personal or business use, you need to get your hands around image masking. It involves creating stunning nature shots, extending the background of an image, distorting face shapes and all kinds of amazing tricks that we can’t wait until we show you! This content also has some reference value for Eagle digitizing.

 High-quality candid images are essential for e-commerce businesses to restore user confidence. However, taking high-quality photos every time can be challenging, even for professional photographers and high-quality equipment, as even images from the latest photography equipment can result in dull and unimpressive images.

 That's where image masks come in...

 If you are not familiar with this technique, read on. Below, we cover all the necessary details you need to know about image masks and why your business needs them!

 What is an image mask?

In short, an image mask is an image processing technique used to remove the background of an image. The best part of the image masking process is that it is non-destructive. This means that your original image is safe while you can remove/add new backgrounds for amazing effects.

 Image mask technology also enables users to change specific elements of an image without editing the background. For example, the technique can help editors illuminate subjects in images without editing the background. Alternatively, you can change the background of the image without editing the theme of the image.

 Before we continue with the image masking process, it is worth mentioning that the process may vary from software to software; However, the purpose and use of the process remains the same. Fortunately, today we offer a variety of image mask software at the lowest price on the market that can be used to easily edit images.

 Image mask process

As mentioned above, the image masking process may vary from software to software. Below, we'll examine two of the simplest and most widely implemented ways to mask images:

 Method 1: Photoshop

Photoshop is by far one of the most popular photo editing programs in the world. The software has a large number of image mask features and functions, including image masks. Here are some simple steps you can take to mask an image in Photoshop.

 Step 1: Launch the software and open the desired image

First, simply open the software on a PC or laptop. If you have not already installed the software, you can download and install it from Adobe or a third party website. Once the software is installed, you simply open the software and add the desired images. To open the image, click File on the top left corner of the software and then click Add Image. Here, you can select the desired image by browsing through the folders on your computer.

 Step 2: Create a new layer

After loading the desired image into the software, you will need to create multiple layers (one on top of the other) to mask the image.

 To create a new layer, go to Layer Options (you can find it on the button side of the Layers panel). From there, you can select "Create New Layer" and name it "Layer 2". Once you have created the layer, move it below the first layer. You can repeat this process to create as many layers as you want.

 Step 3: Make a choice

Now, select the new layer "Layer 2" and select "Selection Tool" from the main "Toolbox". Next, use the tool's Holes to select the area/part/element of the image you want to edit. Here, you can use the Rectangle Marquee or other selection tool to select the shape.

 Step 4: Fill in the selection

Next, you need to fill in the selected area of the image. In this step, you can turn off the visualization of the original layer "Layer 1".

 To fill the selection, go to the Menu Bar at the top and click Edit > Fill ". Here, you can fill the selection with any color or pattern you want.

 Step 5: Deselect the selected content

Once the selected area is filled with the desired color/pattern, simply deselect the area. To deselect, go to the Menu Bar at the top and click Select > Deselect ".

Step 6: Mask the image

With "Deselect" selected, click on the original layer "Layer 1" and then select "Layer &gt" from the menu; Create a clipping mask ". By default, this converts "Layer 1" to a clipping mask, which can then be used as a clipping mask. You can also use this image as a background beneath other images. Also, if you select the main theme, you can move the theme to another image or play it by changing a different background.

Method 2: Online image blocking services

Well, if you're intimidated by all the steps we've covered in the first method, you can simply use a professional image mask service to do the job for you. For people with little or no basic knowledge of image processing, this is an easy way out. Here are a few steps to mask an image using this method:

 Step 1: Find the right agent and send your picture

First, you simply choose from a variety of online image processing agencies. Make sure to compare prices offered by different agencies (you can get a lot by comparing offers from different agencies due to the intense competition). Once you've selected an agency, simply send the desired image via email or the cloud (check with the agency's support team).

Step 2: Get the image

Once the image is obscured, the agency will send back the image within a specified time. Typically, images can be sent and received via cloud services such as WeTransfer or Dropbox. Just download the image and enjoy.

 Why do you need image masks?

Ok, now that we know some image mask methods, let's explore some uses/purposes of image masks.

Edit partial image

It is common for e-commerce businesses to edit images (change size, contrast, background) for a variety of reasons. For example, a brand selling clothing might need image masks to create multiple copies of clothing in different colors. In this case, you need to mask the theme of the image and change the color of the product.

 Show or hide parts of the image

In addition to editing parts of an image, this process is widely used to display or rent certain areas of an image. The technology allows graphic designers to isolate subjects in an effective way. In addition, the technique can be used to crop images from the background.

 Non-destructive process

The best part of image mask technology is that it's non-destructive. While many image processing techniques make it difficult to recover elements (once removed), it is simple to hide or restore any area you want. The technique can also preserve the core theme of the image while continuing to work on the background of the image.

 Make collage images

Image masks can also be used to create interesting effects by making a collage of multiple images. The technology also enables editors to separate or combine multiple images into one.

 Type of image mask

There are three common types of image masks, including:

 Layer mask

Layer masks are one of the most widely used types of image masks in photo editing. This technique is very popular because it enables editors to independently edit individual parts/fragments of an image without changing other parts. The layer mask also allows the editor to change the visibility of multiple layers, while you can also resolve the opacity of different parts of the image.

 Shear mask

The clipping mask technique allows the photo editor to work with multiple layers of an image. This process can combine two or more layers to create an aesthetically pleasing and sharper image. The technique also allows editors to control the transparency of multiple layers and can be used to create frames for images, generate profitable layouts, and a variety of other image-processing tasks.

 Alpha channel mask

Finally, we have the alpha channel mask, which is perfect for performing complex mask tasks. The technique takes into account the unique characteristics of different images and ensures an efficient and effective mask, even for photos with insufficient contrast for objects and backgrounds.

 Images are everywhere. From candid selfies to high-quality product shots, we need stunning images of real-life heroes to hold our viewers' attention. Image masks are techniques that enable users to create stunning images by merging or editing multiple images while keeping the focus on the main subject.