Masks

Masks can show certain parts of a layer while concealing the rest. Since no portion of the masked layers is modified or deleted, you can consider masks as non-destructive actions.

About masks

Any layer can serve as a mask layer, including vector shapes, text layers, images, groups, frames, etc.

Masks structure

When you create a mask, it includes two parts: the mask layer and the masked layer. The mask layer is positioned below the masked layer, covering its sibling layers along the Z-axis. In the Layers panel, the layer pointed to by the arrow is the mask layer, and the layer crossed by a straight line is the masked layer.

Not all sibling layers on the Z-axis of the mask layer will be covered. The coverage stops at the following layers:

• Another mask layer.
• The mask's parent frame or group.
• A frame or component with clip content on.

Learn more about parent, child, sibling relationships.

Outline mask and alpha mask

An outline mask refers to a mask layer that covers other layers while also being visible itself.

An alpha mask refers to a mask layer that covers other layers but remains hidden.

How to use a mask

Use as mask

1. 1.

   Select a layer you want to use as a mask and place it behind all layers that will be masked on the Z-axis.

2. 2.

   Select all layers that will be a part of the mask object.

3. 3.

   Create a mask using any of the following methods:

   a. Click in the toolbar.

   b. Right-click on the object, and choose Use as mask.

   c. Use the following shortcut keys:

   • macOS： ⌃ Control + ⌘ Command + M
   • Windows：Ctrl + Alt + M

After the operation, all masked layers and the mask layer are placed into a mask group, completing the masking effect.

Adjust mask properties

When using a transparent mask, the opacity of the mask layer will affect the layer being masked.

Only the parts of the mask layer with opacity greater than 0% will display the layers they cover. Parts with 0% opacity or without fill will also hide the corresponding masked layers.

When using an outline mask, the opacity of the mask layer will not affect the display of the masked layers.

Remove mask

You can remove the mask in any of the following ways:

• Select the mask layer and click Remove mask in the context menu.
• Right-click on the mask layer and choose Remove mask.
• Select the mask layer, and use the following shortcut keys:
  • macOS: ⌃ Control + ⌘ Command + M
  • Windows: Ctrl + Alt + M

Any portion hidden by the mask will reappear.