On a layer mask, painting with 50% gray results in what?

• A. Full transparency.
• B. Partial transparency where the underlying layer is partially visible.
• C. Full opacity.
• D. Hidden entirely.

Answer: (B)

Grayscale values on a layer mask control how much of the layer below shows through. White reveals the layer fully, black hides it completely, and shades of gray make the layer partially transparent—the lighter the gray, the more visible the layer, and the darker the gray, the less visible.

Painting with 50% gray sits right in the middle, so that area becomes 50% transparent. You get a blend where the top layer is only half visible and the rest of the content beneath it shows through. This is why it’s described as partial transparency.

If you painted black, that area would be hidden entirely; white would be fully visible. 50% gray gives a smooth, partial reveal, which is useful for soft edges and transitions.