A method and mask having balance patterns for reducing and/or preventing chemical flare from occurring in a photoresist between a first mask region and a second mask region. Balance patterns formed on the mask may have a desired and/or predetermined pitch and may be regularly arranged. If the pitch of the balance patterns is equal to or smaller than a threshold value, the balance patterns may not allow the patterns to be transferred onto a photoresist. In addition, the photoresist corresponding to the balance patterns may be either completely removed or completely remain depending on the duty of the balance patterns.