Simple Mask Background

1. PSP (I use version X but this can be done in any version)You can get a preview copy of version X2 Here Screenshots are shown in version X because the layers are shown more clearly than earlier versions.
2. Masks of your choice. You will find a number of them supplied by PSP. Other masks are readily available on line.
3. Various photos or other graphics for experimenting. If you use any graphics or photos not your own be sure to have permission and credit the artist.

Basically, masks are like reverse stamps. Instead of adding color to a layer they take it away and leave the areas that are opaque in the color of the top layer and the transparent layers in the bottom color. If you study a mask you will see that the white part retains the top layer color and the black makes the top layer transparent to show the bottom layer. The different shades of grey vary the transparency. I thought it would be fun to have you try a little playing and experimenting to see if we can explain and simplify things to make it easier and get you to love masks as some of us do.

Step 1
Open a new 400x400 transparent image.
Add two new raster layers.
On the bottom layer floodfill with a light color, on the second a contrasting brighter color and on the top another entirely different color similar to the first sample shown below.



Step 2
Highlight the top layer and then go to Layers/Load-Save Mask/Load Mask from Disc. As shown in the screenshot of the window, there is a small box up in the left corner with the current mask displayed. On the right is a preview of how it will look. Click on the arrow to view the drop down where you can scroll through and select the mask you want to use.



When you've chosen one, click on Load.



Here is the result of loading the first mask.



Go to Layers/Delete. A window will come up asking if you want to merge the mask with the lower level, click on yes. This combines the mask with the layer below.



For a regular mask this would be all you'd have to do but I think it's kind of fun to have two masks to make the background more interesting.

Step 3
Highlight the second layer.

Layers/Load-Save Mask/Load from Disk.

Select the mask you want to use, load it and then delete it. You will end up with something like either of these depending on the masks you chose and the order you used them.

    

I've also shown the final image with a frame which, in itself is a type of mask.




Finally, Merge/Visible and File/Export/JPEG Optimizer.

Adjust the compression value to bring the file down to the size (weight in bytes) you want it. Try to shoot for no more that 50,000 bytes. Just compress to the lowest level where you retain the quality you want.