[Graphic Design] The Difference Between Masking & Compositing.

In photo editing sofware like gimp, there are 2 technique that user can use to get a better and interesting result. They are masking and compositing. You can work using these two technique on same project or separated. For beginner, you probably hearing a lot about masking and compositing, and wondering what is the difference between this two method.

Well, I’m not a graphic designer guru, but I will try to explain it in an easy way…

What is Masking?.

Like the word mean, it’s a mask. It’s a tool you use to cover a part you don’t want to be seen. Example, when Batman wearing his mask, you can’t see his eyes, only his mouth. The same principle apply to graphic design as well.

Masking is when user want to eliminate an area and let another area on image to stay on the canvas. I will give you a simple case. Below I have 2 images and want to combine them together.

I just want to show the face of the little girl with that green stripes background. So, how I make the chair and and the body of the little girl disappear?. I have to use the masking method by create a circle selection first on face area and add layer mask. I will talk the details more next time, but here’s the result:

I even add some text on it 🙂

What is Compositing?.

When you apply masking, like the picture above, you actually already compositing an image. Masking is only 1 technique we use to composite several images for a better result. Basically, composite is add more images background, masking them, and use blend feature. You also can play around with gimp effect tool.

Below is a simple compositing I make from my favorite movie, The Hobbit.

Difference Between Masking & Compositing

Make sure to subscribe to my youtube channel because I’m planning to record a gimp tutorial of how to create a movie wallpaper with watercolor effect. Hopefully you can understand from my short explanation above. Thank you for reading and I see you next time.

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