🎨 What is a Photo Mask?
A photo mask is a textured or artistic shape (usually black & white) used to creatively display a photo in digital scrapbooking. The black part of the mask shows the photo, while the white part hides it — giving your photo a unique shape or blend into the background.
🛠️ What You Need:
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A digital scrapbook kit (with at least one photo mask)
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A photo you'd like to use
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Editing software (e.g. Photoshop, Elements, Affinity Photo, etc.)
✅ Step-by-Step: Using a Photo Mask
Step 1: Open Your Files
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Open your photo mask file (usually a PNG file with a black/gray design on a transparent background).
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Open your photo.
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Open your scrapbook layout or background paper (if you're working on a full page).
Step 2: Place the Photo Mask
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Drag or copy the photo mask onto your layout.
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Resize and position it where you want your photo to go.
📝 Tip: Use the Transform tool (Ctrl+T or Cmd+T) to scale or rotate the mask.
Step 3: Add Your Photo
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Drag your photo layer above the photo mask in the Layers panel.
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Resize the photo so it fully covers the mask.
Step 4: Clip the Photo to the Mask
In Photoshop or Photoshop Elements:
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Right-click the photo layer and choose "Create Clipping Mask"
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OR press
Alt + Ctrl + G(Option + Command + Gon Mac)
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In Affinity Photo:
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Drag the photo layer directly into the photo mask layer (you'll see a down arrow)
This clips your photo into the shape of the mask 🎉
Step 5: Fine-Tune the Look
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Move or resize the photo within the mask if needed.
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Adjust opacity, add layer styles (like a shadow), or apply a blending mode for a more artistic effect.
🎁 Optional: Add Embellishments
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Decorate your masked photo with:
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Frames
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Flowers, ribbons, or other elements from the kit
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Word art or journaling
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💡 Tips for Best Results
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Use high-res photos for better quality.
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Choose masks that match the mood or style of your page.
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Experiment with grayscale or sepia-toned images for a vintage look.
✅ Summary
Using photo masks adds a beautiful artistic touch to your scrapbook pages. Here's a quick recap:
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Open your layout, mask, and photo.
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Place the photo above the mask.
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Clip the photo to the mask.
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Adjust and decorate.
