Layer mask
A layer mask controls which parts of a layer are visible and which are hidden. Black hides, white reveals, and grey gives a partial blend. You never truly delete anything, you just hide it.
The layer mask is the key to non-destructive editing in Photoshop: you can always go back. Click the mask icon at the bottom of the layers panel and paint with a black or white brush to reveal or hide areas. Soften your brush edges for natural transitions, for example when blending in a sky. Tip: press X to quickly swap between black and white while painting.
Related terms
Prefer a look in one click?
The presets on this site set these adjustments up for you as a starting point, which you then fine-tune to taste.