rétegmaszkká

A rétegmaszk, often translated as layer mask, is a fundamental concept in digital image editing, particularly within raster graphics software. It allows for non-destructive editing by controlling the opacity of different areas of a layer. Instead of directly erasing pixels, a layer mask defines which parts of a layer are visible or hidden.

The mask itself is typically a grayscale image, where white areas indicate full opacity (the underlying layer or the layer itself is fully visible), black areas indicate full transparency (the underlying layer is fully visible and the masked layer is hidden), and shades of gray represent varying degrees of partial transparency. By painting on the mask with black, white, or gray, an editor can selectively reveal or conceal parts of a layer without permanently altering the original pixel data.

This technique is widely used for tasks such as compositing images, isolating subjects, creating complex selections, and applying adjustments or effects to specific areas of an image. The advantage of using a layer mask over direct pixel manipulation is that the original layer remains intact, allowing for easy modifications or full restoration of the hidden areas at any time. This flexibility makes layer masks an indispensable tool for professional and hobbyist digital artists alike.