
The masking options in Adobe Lightroom preserve getting higher. The newest replace is the perfect to this point!
The options in Lightroom Basic have solely improved over time. With final yr’s addition of AI masks, you’ll be able to mechanically create masks of the sky and topic in your images. However one downside that at all times got here up was the lack to simply invert that masks to edit the encircling areas.
Now, with the June 2022 replace to Adobe Lightroom Basic, you’ll be able to invert your masks by deciding on an choice within the masks menu.
Why invert a masks?
You is likely to be questioning why you’d wish to invert a masks, as a substitute of making a brand new one from scratch. The primary cause is just primarily based on how the AI masking options work.
Within the instance beneath, I wish to choose the background. The AI masking choices in Lightroom enable me to masks both the sky or the topic, however there isn’t a choice to pick the whole lot besides the topic. So, one of the simplest ways to pick the background is to first choose the topic, after which invert the masks in order that it selects the background.
On this picture, I first use the Lightroom masking instruments to pick the topic.
After deciding on the topic, I inverted the masks to pick the background.
Another excuse is just to save lots of time. You probably have created and edited a masks manually (with out using the AI options) however want to edit the opposite components of the picture impartial of the unique masks space, you’ll be able to merely duplicate and invert the masks in an effort to make changes to these areas with out having to recreate your masks from scratch.
The right way to create an inverted masks in Lightroom Basic
Right here’s methods to create a masks to make selective edits to your images in Lightroom Basic:
1. Open your picture in Lightroom
Begin out by selecting a picture to edit, and open the Develop module.
2. Entry the Masking panel
On the high of the panels on the correct, just under the Histogram, is a small toolbar. Click on the far-right icon to entry the masking choices.

3. Apply a masks
Subsequent, select the kind of masks you wish to apply. On this instance, I’ll select Choose Topic on the high. You may see that Lightroom made a range primarily based on what’s in my picture.

4. Edit the masked space
Subsequent, use the settings on the correct to use modifications to the masked space. Right here I added brightness and distinction to make the girl stand out from the background.


5. Invert the masks
I wished to darken the background much more, and the best manner to do that is to duplicate and invert the masks. To do that, I hovered over the unique masks and clicked the menu drop down. Then I selected the Duplicate and Invert Masks choice to create a brand new masks.
6. Refine the masks
The masks will not be excellent, so some guide correction is required to assist it mix higher with the topic. To do that, I clicked the Add button and select the Brush choice. Then I cut back the Density of the comb on the correct to round 50% and brushed alongside the sides of the masks the place the girl’s head and background meet.
Step 7: Edit the masked background
Lastly, with my masks created, I edited the background by making it barely darker.

Remaining end result
After modifying the masks, I made some world edits to provide the picture a completed look. Listed below are the worldwide edits utilized to attain the ultimate end result:

