Originally posted by THX1138 Photoshop masks are not a replacement for layers. A mask is an effects tool to bend certain part's of your image layers together to your desire (if that makes any sence). I highly recommend learning all you can about photoshop. It's a must if your using a 3D modeling app like maya, especially if your texturing a model. Im not sure I follow. I mean, a layer mask is where with the help of black and white and the values in between, you reveal or hide parts of a layer. Do you mean using this feature in a more complex way? I am piece by piece trying to chip away at the vast array of what there is to learn with photoshop. I have recently invested in a couple of good (I think) books. Im modelling at the moment to give myself something to paint on. Looking forward more to the photoshop part, but dont want to rush in before Im satisfied with my foundation. Im going for a city, not sure whether Ill use photos aswell as paint, would like to get as far as I can with paint I think.