The Layers tool offers a feather mask feature, which enables you to expand the width of the mask’s transition border after the mask has been drawn. The Radius slider determines how broad the blending along the edge of the mask will be and is measured in pixels. It is especially useful when masking elements of images with indistinct edges from high noise levels or low contrast.
In general, start with the default setting, enable the Display Mask (M) and set the image magnification to 100%, actual pixels, then gently move the slider to the left for a smaller radius and thinner, more defined and accurate edge, or to the right when working with an uneven edge or a smoother look is required. The tool only affects the mask(s) on the selected layer and does not work with offline images. Note that while you can use the Feather Mask feature on any Radial Gradient Mask or a Linear Gradient Mask, you will be prompted to rasterize the mask once you click Apply. You will be able to see and adjust the feathering effect before you commit, but you cannot readjust the Radial Gradient Mask or the Linear Gradient Mask itself once you have added the feathering. Because of this, it might be a better idea to adjust the feathering directly on those two types of masks by dragging their control lines.
- Go to the Layers tool and right-click on the Layer in the list that you would like modify.
- Select Feather Mask… from the Action menu. The Feather Mask dialog window will open.
- Drag the Radius slider to the left beneath 10 (default) to reduce the feathering effect or above this point to a maximum of 100 to increase. The image will be updated with the effect in the Viewer. Toggle the Display Mask option on and off to view and hide the mask overlay.
- Click Apply to confirm the setting or Cancel to reject it. If you are working on a Radial Gradient Mask or a Linear Gradient Mask, you will be prompted to rasterize the mask once you click Apply.