How do I make part of a layer transparent? - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

perkidawn · #1 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007

I'm using CS2.
Specifically, I have a photo duplicated so it's two layers. Top is desaturated, bottom is color. I want to make the person's eyes (top layer) transparent so the color shows through from below. I know how to do this in DIP, but NOT in PS! Since I have learned to use PS, I have forced myself to ONLY use it and nothing else. So please, help me.

Diamante · #2 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007

The best way would be to use a mask in the same layer as the blk/white layer, then using a brush use black to erase and white to undo.

HTH's

danib · #3 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007

yes, try masking

you will be amazed how fun masks can be!
The technique you are trying is called selective coloring if you want to use Google you will find tons of tutorials out there..
there is one right here at SBB too!! -- selective coloring
here is another one that looks pretty cool - Selective Coloring

shelleyrae · #4 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007

You can make it easy on yourself and do exactly the same as you would in DIP

Choose teh eraser tool - on the tool palette on teh left hand side and erase the area of the eyes - you can adjust the opacity of the erasure too

Pesto126 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007

Yes.. the eraser tool is good - just remember that the eraser tool is destructive.. that is - the pixels are lost for good once you remove them. that's why using masks are better - you are using a non-destructive tool so those pixels can always be brought back again.

perkidawn · #6 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007

Yes, I found a tutorial online for masking. I've done it before, but I couldn't remember exactly what it was called. I got it done and it looks fantastic.

I'm almost done with a small album (one with premade pages, lol) that I'll be posting in my gallery by this weekend.
I'm really loving Photoshop, the more I use it. I actually took a college course (Graphic Design for the Web) which was an intro to Photoshop CS2 class. I'm still learning! Thanks for the great input.