layer mask info.

i would like to say that i am fairly educated with photoshop, but there are so many components and tools that, in learning all of them, will require a large chunk of time with a hand full of questions.

one question i have at the moment is, '' what is/are the primary fuction/s of the 'add layer mask' tool?''

however beginner that question sounds, i hope it doesn't ruin my photoshop reputation.

sort version: a layer mask is a grayscale channel that applies transparency to a layer. black is transparent, white is visible, and varying shades of gray are semi-transparent. it's a way to create transparency in a layer without destroying any of the layer.

probably the most important thing you can learn in photoshop...