Summary
In this video, Scott Davenport explores the significant updates to masking tools in Photo RAW 2026, focusing on enhanced control and flexibility in creating complex masks. The new masking properties area allows photographers to add, subtract, and combine multiple mask layers easily, improving precision and editing efficiency. Scott demonstrates how various masking tools—brushes, gradients, line masks, color ranges, and AI-based masks—can be layered and individually refined to achieve intricate adjustments without losing control. He highlights the benefits of mask layers, such as independent editing, inversion, disabling, and removal, which simplify correcting mistakes and refining masks. Practical examples include darkening wood grain, selective black-and-white conversion, and adding dynamic contrast to specific image areas. Scott also mentions upcoming features like intersect mode and encourages viewers to explore the new capabilities to enhance their photo editing workflow.
Key Insights
- Photo RAW 2026 introduces a revamped masking properties area with more control and flexibility.
- Masks can now be built up using multiple layers, combining different masking tools seamlessly.
- Users can add or subtract masks, allowing for intricate and precise mask creation.
- Each mask layer can be independently refined, inverted, disabled, or removed.
- Mask layers simplify the correction of mistakes without starting over the entire mask.
- The new interface integrates all masking tools in one place for streamlined workflow.
- AI-powered masking (Mask AI and Quick Mask AI) is integrated into the masking layers for selective editing.
- Mask properties allow nuanced adjustments such as feathering, level changes, and brush refinements on individual layers.
- Masks are fully copyable and transferable between filters and adjustments, maintaining all mask components.
- The upcoming intersect mode feature promises further advanced masking capabilities.
Key Learning Points
- Understanding how to combine multiple masking tools (brush, gradient, color range, line mask, AI) within mask layers enhances creative options.
- The ability to add or subtract specific mask elements provides greater precision in targeting adjustments.
- Working in the mask properties panel enables direct manipulation of each mask layer for fine-tuning.
- Mask layer management (invert, disable, remove) helps maintain flexibility and control over the editing process.
- Using overlay views and mask reveals (e.g., pressing the O key) assists in visualizing mask feathering and edges.
- Applying AI masks and refining with brushes allows for quick yet detailed selections in complex images.
- Copying and pasting masks between different filters or adjustments saves time and maintains editing consistency.
- Gradients combined with subtractive masks (color or line) can isolate textures and elements effectively.
- The modular approach to masks reduces the need to redo entire masks when adjustments are required.
- Exploring new masking workflows can significantly improve photo editing efficiency and artistic control.
Conclusion
Photo RAW 2026 significantly advances masking capabilities by introducing a layered mask system that allows photographers to combine, refine, and control multiple mask components within one unified properties panel. This update streamlines complex selections, enabling more precise and creative adjustments without the frustration of redoing masks. The integration of AI masking tools further enhances workflow efficiency, and the ability to copy and manage mask layers provides flexibility previously unavailable.
Scott’s comprehensive walkthrough highlights how these improvements empower photographers to push their editing boundaries while maintaining full control. With additional features like intersect mode forthcoming, Photo RAW 2026 sets a new standard for masking in photo editing software.