What is a layer mask and how do you use it?

I have elements 6 and a lot of the sites I go to say use a layer mask to do this this this and this, but I have no idea how or even what kind of stuff you do with it! Help...?What is a layer mask and how do you use it?
First off, let me say that I'm not sure that Elements 6 (or any version of Elements, come to that) supports layer masks. I would recommend you check in the Elements help file firstly, to make sure that what you're about to learn isn't gonna be for nothing!!!





There are (quite literally) thousands of tutorials on the web right now about layer masks, from the basics (http://photoshoptips.net/2006/07/25/laye鈥?/a> ) to the WAY more advanced. Casting my eye down the search results I've just got, I've hit on http://www.photoshopessentials.com/basic鈥?/a> which makes me even more suspicious about whether Elements can handle this or not.





If what I'm seeing here is right, then the program you've got won't give you what you need. Sorry..........





Good Luck





Scots