What does the term "masking" refer to in Photoshop?

Masking in Photoshop is a technique that allows you to hide or reveal specific parts of a layer without permanently altering the original image. When using a mask, you can paint with black to hide sections of the layer, or paint with white to reveal parts of it. This non-destructive method offers great flexibility because it enables you to make adjustments easily. You can refine the mask further by using different brush sizes or opacities, making it a powerful tool for compositing and enhancing images. This makes it an essential technique for tasks like blending multiple images, applying effects selectively, or correcting specific areas of an image while preserving the overall integrity of the original layer.

The other options do not align with the concept of masking. For instance, applying a border refers specifically to outlining an image rather than selectively hiding parts. Combining images involves layering and blending but doesn't specifically relate to the selective visibility that masking provides. Changing the image format is about altering the file type rather than modifying visual elements through hiding or revealing parts of a layer. Overall, masking is integral to advanced photo editing and enhances the creative capabilities within Photoshop.