Yes, I gotten that too and it was very frustrating beacause it hadn't been my intention to apply a mask, so I was sympathetic to your question. I've noticed when you do click the commit button that, you can't make the backround invisible to actualy see the text. That's why I have been avoiding that mask tool for now. ANyway I have to admit, I am also relatively new to Photoshop 6. I guess we just learn as we go.