What Are Lightroom Masks?
Masking in Lightroom is one of the most powerful tools available for selective editing. It allows you to make adjustments to specific parts of an image without affecting the entire photo.
Whether you want to brighten a subject, enhance the sky, or apply subtle contrast adjustments, Lightroom masking provides precision and control.
Over the past few years, Adobe has introduced AI-powered masking and improved selection tools, making it easier than ever to mask photos efficiently.
However, Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC (mobile and desktop app versions) have some differences in masking tools. Understanding these differences will help you maximise your workflow and make the most of Lightroom’s capabilities.
Let’s go through each masking tool in Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC, covering how they work and when to use them.
Types of Masks in Lightroom Classic
Lightroom Classic provides several masking options, each designed for different types of edits.
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1. Subject Mask
The Select Subject Mask uses AI to automatically detect and select the main subject in a photo. It works well for portraits, wildlife photography, and product shots, where the subject is clearly distinguishable from the background.
How to Use Select Subject Mask in Lightroom Classic
- Click the Masking Tool (found in the Develop module).
- Select “Select Subject” from the options.
- Lightroom will analyse the image and create a mask around the main subject.
- Use sliders to adjust exposure, contrast, texture, or other effects.
This tool is incredibly useful for enhancing subjects without affecting the background. However, it may struggle with complex backgrounds or very low-contrast images.
2. Sky Mask
If you often edit landscapes, the Select Sky Mask is a game changer. It uses AI to detect the sky and mask it separately, allowing you to enhance colours, add contrast, or create dramatic effects without affecting the foreground.
How to Use Select Sky Mask
- Open the Masking Tool and choose “Select Sky”.
- Lightroom will create a mask based on the sky in the image.
- Adjust exposure, dehaze, and colour to enhance the sky.
- If the mask isn’t perfect, you can refine it manually by adding or subtracting areas using a brush or a luminance mask.
3. Brush Mask
The Brush Mask gives you complete control over where you apply adjustments. It’s the most versatile masking tool, allowing you to manually paint over specific areas of an image.
When to Use Brush Masking
- Dodging and burning (lightening and darkening parts of the image).
- Fine-tuning areas that AI masking missed.
- Adding detail to eyes, hair, or textured surfaces.
- How to Use the Brush Mask in Lightroom
- Select Brush Mask from the Masking panel.
- Adjust the size, feathering, and flow of the brush.
- Paint over the areas where you want to apply adjustments.
- Use the “Erase” option to remove parts of the mask if needed.
Brush masks are useful for custom edits but require more time and precision compared to AI-based selections.
4. Linear Gradient Mask
A Linear Gradient Mask (previously called Graduated Filter) allows you to apply a smooth transition of edits across part of the image. It’s commonly used for balancing exposure in landscapes, particularly when the sky is much brighter than the foreground.
How to Use a Linear Gradient Mask
- Select Linear Gradient from the Masking panel.
- Click and drag across the image to create a gradual transition.
- Adjust exposure, contrast, and colour settings for a smooth and natural effect.
- This tool is excellent for balancing bright skies and subtly drawing attention to key areas without looking unnatural.
5. Radial Gradient Mask
A Radial Gradient Mask allows you to apply adjustments in an elliptical shape, creating a natural vignette effect. This is particularly useful for portrait photography, where you may want to subtly highlight a subject.
How to Use a Radial Gradient Mask
- Select Radial Gradient from the Masking panel.
- Click and drag to create an oval selection over the area you want to adjust.
- Adjust feathering to create a smooth transition.
- Apply edits such as increasing exposure, adjusting contrast, or reducing sharpness in the background.
- Unlike a linear gradient, the radial gradient creates a circular or elliptical mask, making it ideal for spotlighting subjects or adding soft focus to edges.
6. Luminance Masking
Luminance Masking is a powerful feature that allows you to select areas of an image based on brightness levels. This is useful when you want to apply adjustments only to the brightest highlights or deepest shadows.
How to Use Luminance Masking in Lightroom
- Create a new mask (e.g., Brush, Gradient, or AI-based selection).
- Click “Luminance Range” in the Masking panel.
- Adjust the range slider to target bright or dark areas.
- Refine the selection using the Feather slider for a smoother transition.
- Luminance masking is particularly effective for selectively darkening highlights in landscapes or brightening deep shadows in portraits.
Lightroom CC Mobile: What’s Different?
Lightroom CC (on mobile and desktop app versions) shares many of the same masking tools as Lightroom Classic, but some advanced features are missing or work differently.
Key Differences in Lightroom CC Mobile Masking
- Luminance Masking is available but lacks the same level of fine-tuning as in Lightroom Classic.
- Brush Masking is more limited, especially in feathering and flow control.
- Linear Gradient Masks and Radial Gradient Masks work similarly but may not offer the same level of precision.
- AI-based Select Subject and Select Sky masks are available but depend on device processing power (may be slower on mobile).
If you work mainly on mobile, Lightroom CC still provides great masking tools, but for the most precise control, Lightroom Classic remains the best option.
How Do You Mask a Photo in Lightroom? (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Open Lightroom Classic or CC and go to the Develop Module.
- Click the Masking Tool icon.
- Choose the type of mask you need (Brush, Gradient, AI selection, or Luminance Mask).
- Adjust the mask’s position and intensity using the editing sliders.
- Refine the selection using the Feathering or Subtract Tool if needed.
- Apply your edits and compare the before/after results.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Lightroom Masks is essential for precise and professional-level editing.
Whether you’re applying a Linear Gradient Mask to a landscape, using a Radial Gradient Mask for portraits, or fine-tuning highlights with Luminance Masking, these tools allow greater creative control.
While Lightroom CC mobile provides great functionality, Lightroom Classic remains the best option for detailed masking and local adjustments.
If you haven’t explored masking yet, start experimenting with these tools and refine your workflow for better, more impactful edits.
