External image masks

Film recorded with an earlier version; the written reference is current. This lesson explains the controls and workflow. See the recording notes below for exactly what is demonstrated.

0:03 An image mask limits a global adjustment
White selects, black protects and grey gives partial coverage.

0:09 Open the External mask controls
The file must align with the uncropped, unrotated source.

0:15 Choose the adjustment to restrict
This example connects the mask to Exposure.

0:21 Import the aligned greyscale demo mask
A managed copy is stored with the catalog.

0:27 The mask is connected to Exposure
The photo changes only when the connected adjustment has an effect.

0:33 Apply an exposure correction
The mask limits this global tool to the selected area.

0:39 Invert swaps selected and protected areas
This changes the actual mask polarity.

0:46 Restore the original polarity
Review the edge and alignment before exporting.

0:53 Opacity controls the mask contribution
Overlay display settings are a different thing.

0:59 Disconnect returns Exposure to global coverage
It keeps the tool’s numerical adjustment.

1:06 Use mask reconnects the available image
Other supported tools can use the same shared mask.

1:13 Replacing the shared image affects every connection
Review each connected tool after a replacement.

1:19 Back up the catalog’s masks folder
Preset JSON stores a file reference, not the mask pixels.

1:25 Explore the controls in the written tool reference
OmaRaw