The tools in Capture One typically apply global adjustments to the whole image. However, there are times when you want to perform corrections to a specific part of the image. For example, you might want to simply sharpen the eyes in a portrait, fix some blemishes or apply a graduated filter effect. This is when Layers and Masks come into play.
Contents
Layers and Masks workflow
Layer mask thumbnails
AI masking
Combine masks
Copying layers without creating duplicates
Layers and Masks workflow
There are several ways to create a mask: painting with a brush or by creating a Linear Gradient Mask / Radial Gradient Mask / Healing Mask / Cloning Mask that is non-destructive in nature and therefore can be readjusted easily at any given time. They can all be accessed from either the Layers tool, the Cursor toolbar, or by using their assigned keyboard shortcuts.
The most versatile is the brush tool called Draw Mask. This lets you apply adjustments to specific areas in an image by painting a mask over the desired areas. The Linear Gradient Mask and the Radial Gradient Mask, on the other hand, work by creating a gradient area that you can always re-adjust. The Healing Mask and the Cloning Mask are connected with the source point(s) which can be moved around freely. All of those masked areas are applied in a non-destructive fashion, meaning that you can always change the size, shape, rotation, feathering, and position of the mask after the fact.
Once a mask has been created, you apply the image adjustments in the same way as you would when making global adjustments. You can make any combination of image adjustments from different tools on the same Layer mask, so nothing prevents you from tweaking both Exposure, Clarity, and Color Balance to one specific layer mask.
If you need to apply a number of localized image adjustments to different parts of the image, just create a new layer with a separate mask.
1. Layer selection and context menu; tick the layers you wish to activate or deactivate and click twice to rename a layer; right-click for further layer options such as:
- Clear Mask
- Invert Mask
- Fill Mask
- Rasterize Mask
- Feather Mask
- Refine Mask
- Luma Range
- Copy Mask From
- Save Adjustments as Style
- Save Adjustments as Style Brush
- Apply Adjustments From
- Rename
- Duplicate Selected Layer
2. Brush settings; brings up the following menu:
3. Choose the type of Mask you wish to use; choose from (left to right) Draw Mask, Magic Brush, Linear Gradient, Radial Gradient, Healing Mask, Cloning Mask, Eraser and Magic Eraser.
4. "+" immediately creates a new empty adjustment layer; clicking the vertical pointing arrow (or right-clicking on the background layer) will bring up the following menu:
Select "Move Background Adjustments to New Layer" (included in Capture One Pro (16.1) and onwards) if you wish to apply your background adjustments to a new layer – this moves your adjustments to a newly created layer and your background layer will reset. Only adjustments that are layer applicable will be moved.
"–" Removes the highlighted layer.
Layer mask thumbnails
Starting from version 16.7.2, each layer displays a mask preview thumbnail, making it easier to see which areas of the image are affected by that layer’s adjustments. This improves layer organization and clarity, especially when working with multiple masks.
AI masking
AI Masking, first introduced in Capture One 16.3.0, lets you create accurate masks with a single click. It includes Subject, Background, and People Masking, as well as AI Select and AI Eraser tools. These tools automatically detect and isolate key areas like skin, hair, or eyes, and can be applied individually or across multiple images. AI masks can be used with Styles, Next Capture Adjustments, and copied between images, streamlining complex masking workflows.
See more here: AI Masking
Combine masks
From Capture One 16.7.0, you can combine different masks on the same layer to create more refined and flexible selections. Use the Add, Subtract, and Intersect options to control exactly which areas various masks should cover.
Each combined group counts as a single layer, even if it includes multiple masks. Dynamic masks such as Radial Gradient/Linear Gradient or Luma Range remain fully editable after combining, giving you full creative control.
Learn more about how to combine, merge, or refine masks in the dedicated guide: Combine Masks (Add, Subtract and Intersect).
Copying layers without creating duplicates
Capture One 16.7.3 introduces new handling for duplicate layers when copying. When copying layers to target images with identical layer names, you can now choose to Skip, Add as duplicates, or Replace the existing layers.
See more here: Copying layers options — Skip, Add, or Replace