How to Use the Type Mask Tool for Typographic Cutouts

The Type Mask tool allows image editors to transform standard text into active selections, enabling the creation of striking typographic cutouts where an underlying photo fills the shape of the letters. This guide covers the complete, step-by-step process of using both the Horizontal and Vertical Type Mask tools to isolate imagery inside typography, adjust selection boundaries, apply non-destructive layer masks, and style the final cutout for impactful visual designs.

1. Prepare Your Background Image

Open the image you want visible inside the lettering in your photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop. Ensure the image layer is unlocked. If it is labeled as a locked "Background" layer, double-click it or click the lock icon to convert it into a standard editable layer.

2. Select the Type Mask Tool

Navigate to the Tools panel, click and hold the standard Horizontal Type Tool to reveal the flyout menu, and select either the Horizontal Type Mask Tool or the Vertical Type Mask Tool.

3. Configure Font Settings

Before typing, configure your text properties in the options bar at the top of the workspace:

  • Font Family: Choose a heavy, bold, or black weight typeface (such as Impact, Montserrat ExtraBold, or Futura Bold). Thicker fonts provide more surface area to display the underlying image clearly.
  • Font Size: Set a large size so the text covers a significant portion of the canvas.
  • Alignment: Set the text alignment to left, center, or right based on your composition layout.

4. Enter Text and Activate Quick Mask Mode

Click on the canvas where you want the cutout to appear. The screen will automatically overlay a semi-transparent red hue (the Quick Mask overlay), leaving transparent areas where you type. Enter your desired text. You can adjust the font size, kerning, and tracking while in this mode.

5. Commit the Text to Create the Selection

Once your text is placed, confirm the entry by clicking the checkmark icon in the top options bar or pressing Ctrl + Enter (Windows) or Cmd + Return (macOS). The red overlay will disappear, and the borders of your text will convert immediately into an active selection, displayed as animated dotted lines ("marching ants").

6. Generate the Typographic Cutout

With the selection active and your image layer highlighted in the Layers panel, create the cutout using one of two methods:

  • Non-Destructive Layer Mask (Recommended): Click the Add Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. The software automatically masks everything outside the selection, instantly clipping the photo to the shape of the text without deleting original pixels.
  • Duplicate Layer: Press Ctrl + J (Windows) or Cmd + J (macOS) to copy the selected pixel area to a brand-new layer directly above the original.

7. Refine and Enhance the Design

To make the cutout stand out against a clean backdrop:

  • Add a Solid Color or Gradient fill layer beneath the cutout layer to replace the transparent background.
  • Open the Layer Styles menu (double-click the cutout layer) to add subtle drop shadows, strokes, or inner bevels to give depth and separation to the letter edges.