I need help with Photoshop!!!

[Bonfire Ozona]

I am trying to create a logo in Photoshop and having some issues remembering how to create an opaque mask? I basically have a layer that is a solid colored circle and I am trying to "erase" a silhouette out of it. Anyone able to walk me through it? Here is an example that I found online.

[Barb Binder]

Hi emalieg42992226​: you posted your question in the non-technical Lounge forum. I'll move it over to Photoshop for you.

And to clarify your question, are you asking how to cut out the symbols from the black circle so that the background is visible?

[Bonfire Ozona]

Thank You! And that is exactly what I am trying to do!

[Simmer1]

Hi,

What you need to do is have your Symbol(s) on a separate Layer from your black circle. Then click your symbols Layer icon whilst holding down Ctrl/Cmd, this will select the symbol. Next click on the Circle layer and hit delete. Please see screenshots.

[Barb Binder]

That works, or alternatively, you might take a non-destructive approach.

1. Open the Layers panel.
2. Click the name of the circle layer to make it active (note the highlighting behind the active layer.)
3. Ctrl/Cmd + click on the symbol thumbnail (outlined in orange) to load it as a selection.
   
4. Click the eyeball to hide the symbol layer, but leave the circle layer active.
   
5. Layer > Layer Mask > Hide selection.
   

Destructive techniques delete pixels that cannot be recovered later. Non-destructive techniques allow you to change your mind later. I prefer to keep my options open!

Note: I opted to use pixels for the black circle. You can do this with vector shapes as well, but the steps are slightly different.