How to Use Photo Masks | Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial in 2025

🎨 What is a Photo Mask?

A photo mask is a textured or artistic shape (usually black & white) used to creatively display a photo in digital scrapbooking. The black part of the mask shows the photo, while the white part hides it — giving your photo a unique shape or blend into the background.

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🛠️ What You Need:

• A digital scrapbook kit (with at least one photo mask)

• A photo you'd like to use

• Editing software (e.g. Photoshop, Elements, Affinity Photo, etc.)

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✅ Step-by-Step: Using a Photo Mask

Step 1: Open Your Files

1. Open your photo mask file (usually a PNG file with a black/gray design on a transparent background).

2. Open your photo.

3. Open your scrapbook layout or background paper (if you're working on a full page).

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Step 2: Place the Photo Mask

• Drag or copy the photo mask onto your layout.

• Resize and position it where you want your photo to go.

📝 Tip: Use the Transform tool (Ctrl+T or Cmd+T) to scale or rotate the mask.

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Step 3: Add Your Photo

• Drag your photo layer above the photo mask in the Layers panel.

• Resize the photo so it fully covers the mask.

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Step 4: Clip the Photo to the Mask

In Photoshop or Photoshop Elements:

• Right-click the photo layer and choose "Create Clipping Mask"

  • OR press Alt + Ctrl + G (Option + Command + G on Mac)

In Affinity Photo:

• Drag the photo layer directly into the photo mask layer (you'll see a down arrow)

This clips your photo into the shape of the mask 🎉

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Step 5: Fine-Tune the Look

• Move or resize the photo within the mask if needed.

• Adjust opacity, add layer styles (like a shadow), or apply a blending mode for a more artistic effect.

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🎁 Optional: Add Embellishments

• Decorate your masked photo with:

  • Frames

  • Flowers, ribbons, or other elements from the kit

  • Word art or journaling

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💡 Tips for Best Results

• Use high-res photos for better quality.

• Choose masks that match the mood or style of your page.

• Experiment with grayscale or sepia-toned images for a vintage look.

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✅ Summary

Using photo masks adds a beautiful artistic touch to your scrapbook pages. Here's a quick recap:

1. Open your layout, mask, and photo.

2. Place the photo above the mask.

3. Clip the photo to the mask.

4. Adjust and decorate.