Skip to content

As architects, we are so caught up on everything, deadlines, projects, group work, our jobs. That we forget the aesthetic in everything. We might not even notice this, but it is something that can help us catch attention. 
Luckily we have so many tools available for this. Like Photoshop, ah! we do love photoshop, and the best thing is that there are tutorials everywhere, and for (almost) everything. 
With these quick steps, you can learn how to use the “Layer mask” option in photoshop for all of your architectural projects so they can have that aesthetic touch.

1. Layer mask to hide text

If you want that effect where the text appears to be part of the main image, layer mask helps you out! 

Step 1: Once you have your image, create a text layer.

Step 2: Standing on the text layer you want to hide, proceed to add the layer mask (white square with a black circle in the middle)

Step 3: Once you are on the layer mask, select the brush tool (B) and the default colors will appear. White is to show, black is to hide. If you don’t see them press (D).

Step 4: Start brushing the parts of the text you want to hide with the black color.

Step 5: If you accidentally hid a part you were not supposed to, select the white color and brush that part to show it again.

Step 6: Do the same process for the parts you want to hide. Remember to select the brush size for those small spots you want to hide or to show. At the end you will have the effect of the text being behind the image.

2. Change the background of an image

Step 1: Import your image to photoshop.

Step 2: Import the image you want to set as your background.

Step 3: Use CTRL + T to resize the image you are going to set as your background.

Step 4: With the magic wand tool (W) select the area of the background.

Step 5: Once you have the selection of the background image, click the layer mask tool to hide the part you don’t want on top of the main image.

Step 6: You can also use the brush tool (B) here to make final touch ups.

What are other things you make with the layer mask option?

You may also like

or download in bundles

Frequently asked questions.

If you have any other questions, please contact us at hello@showitbetter.co

Most of our resources come in different formats: ABR (photoshop brushes), DWG, AI (adobe illustrator), EPS. Depending on what program you use, you can import our resources.

As soon as you buy it you can use it in personal and commercial projects. What you are not allowed to do is resell this, it is a single person license.

For some of our resources, we pack them in a .RAR or .ZIP file. To open these files you can use free decompressors like WinRar or WinZIP.

We use this type of format to speed up the process and avoid links that can pirate our content

 

If you’re using a Windows machine, a free tool like 7-Zip (which can be downloaded from https://www.7-zip.org/) or WinRAR (available at https://www.win-rar.com/) can do the job. If you’re on a Mac, you might want to try The Unarchiver (available in the App Store).

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get you on track:

1. Download and install a suitable program like 7-Zip, WinRAR, or The Unarchiver.
2. Once it’s installed, locate the “Portfolio Project Spread Template.rar” file in your downloads folder.
3. Right-click on the .rar file and you should see an option to “Extract Here” or “Extract Files”. Choose this option.
4. The program will then decompress the file and you’ll have a regular folder with all the contents you were expecting.

Send us an email at  hello@showitbetter.co and we will try to answer as soon as possible.