To invert a layer mask in GIMP, you can use the following methods:
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Using the Menu: Go to the "Select" menu and choose "Invert". This will invert the current selection, which, when applied to a layer mask, effectively inverts the mask.
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Using the Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl+I. This is the most straightforward and quickest way to invert a layer mask. Make sure the layer mask is selected.
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Using the Selection Editor: Look for the icon representing "Invert" in the Selection Editor. Clicking this icon will invert the mask.
Explanation and Steps:
Inverting a layer mask essentially reverses the transparency. Areas that were previously transparent become opaque, and vice versa. This is a crucial technique for refining selections and creating complex effects in GIMP.
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Select the Layer Mask: In the Layers panel, ensure that you have the layer mask selected, not the layer itself. You'll see a white border around the mask thumbnail indicating it's selected.
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Invert the Mask: Use any of the methods described above (Menu, Keyboard Shortcut, or Selection Editor) to invert the selected layer mask.
Example:
Imagine you have a layer mask where a white area reveals part of a layer, and a black area hides it. Inverting the mask will switch this: the black area will now reveal the layer, and the white area will hide it. Grayscale areas will have their transparency reversed proportionally.
