This method of preparing lineart is most useful for when you’d rather have your lineart on a separate transparent layer. It takes a bit longer but the results are worth it when you need more control over the lines. I use this method when I have scanned in black lines but want to make them another colour.

Step One: Duplicate your background or scanned layer so it can be edited.

Step Two: Do it again. You now have three identical layers.

Step Three: Invert the latest layer, which should be called Background Copy 2. (Image->Adjustments->Invert)

Step Four: I’m a shortcut junkie. Ctrl+A, Ctrl+X.

Or Select->All, Edit->Cut, if you want to do it the long way.

Not only does this cut out the image you need, it leaves you a blank layer which saves you valuable seconds later on!

Step 5: Hit the Add Layer Mask button in the Layers window.

Hold alt and Click on the mask thumbnails to view the mask on it’s lonesome.

Ctrl+V, or Edit->Paste to drop in your previously made mask. You won’t be able to paste this in if you haven’t selected the mask thumbnail.

Click on the Image thumbnail to go back to the normal view.

Step 6: Looks the same, huh? Fill your empty layer with grey, then click and drag it under the masked layer to see your results.

It’s nice and accurate, but perhaps a bit too accurate. The results on this picture leave the linework grainy and a bit grey.

Click on the mask thumbnail (not Alt click) and mess with Image->Adjustments->Brightness/Contrast to fix the darkness. You can mess around with the original layer too as it’s also a bit grey.

It shouldn’t be too hard to get it looking like this….

Step 7: Layer->Layer Mask->Apply. You could keep the mask if you really wanted but I find it more useful to collapse. And you’re done! Create new layers and start colouring!

Extra credit: Here’s what I usually use this method for

Select your lineart layer and hit this button (Lock Layer Transparency)

Select your Paint Bucket Tool. Make sure the tolerance is set fairly high and contiguous is off.

Pick a colour and fill in your lineart.

This is good for softening the effect of lineart. Black lines can appear very harsh and picking a colour close to the fill is easy on the eyes and stylish. This method is used all over the place, from Disney to anime to game concept art.

Locking the transparency of the layer allows you to manually colour in sections of the lineart, either by filling a section that is separate (making sure contiguous is checked on your Paint Bucket Tool) or painting it in with a brush or pencil.

This can give your picture a much more professional look than simply leaving the lines one colour.

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