What does the Layer Mask allow users to do?

The Layer Mask feature is a powerful tool in graphic design software that enables users to hide or reveal portions of a layer without permanently altering the original image. By applying a layer mask, users can selectively control the visibility of different areas within a layer. This is accomplished by painting on the mask with black or white; black conceals the areas where you want to hide content, while white reveals the areas you want to keep visible. This non-destructive editing technique allows for greater flexibility and precision in design work, as it permits adjustments without the risk of losing original content. This capability is essential for creating complex compositions and enables designers to manipulate images seamlessly.

The other options, while related to layer functionality, do not encapsulate the core purpose of Layer Masks. Blending modes relate to how layers interact with each other in terms of color and light, deleting a layer completely removes it from the project without the possibility of recovery, and merging layers combines them into one, which does not involve the selective visibility that Layer Masks provide.