Lightroom’s Auto Mask option is a useful tool that can save you a lot of time. But this video from Signature Edits shows you how you can make the Auto Mask feature even faster and more efficient. This way you’ll be able to mask even very complex images in a few seconds, which will save you even more post-processing time.
When making selections with the Adjustment Brush, the Auto Mask option helps you make accurate selections even without being too precise. But what happens when you need to apply adjustments to specific areas of a complex image like this?
Even with the Auto mask feature on, it would take you a lot of time to select, let’s say, the areas between the branches. This is where you can use a little trick to speed you up. First, zoom out on the photo (use 1:8 or 1:16 zoom level). Then, select the Adjustment Brush and make it larger than your image.
Click anywhere within the area you want to mask. The tool will automatically select all the areas with the same color and brightness and create a mask.
In most cases, the mask will not be perfect. But you can click and drag the pin until the Adjustment Brush makes the most accurate selection. From there, it will usually easy to erase the mask from the areas where you don’t need it. In most cases, it should be easier than painting it within the areas you want to edit. I use Lightroom a lot and I think that the Auto Mask option is a life savior. But I’ve never figured I could use it this way, and it looks like a really handy trick. As far as I’m concerned, I’m gonna play with it a bit and see how it works for me. Have you already tried masking this way? Or this is new to you like it is to me? [Auto Mask Lightroom Tutorial – How To Mask Anything FAST! (2018) | Signature Edits]
