bravemouse

A mask layers are used to selectively hide and reveal other layers.  You can use them to achieve effects that are otherwise either impossible, or really difficult to create.  Here are some examples of mask layers in action.
Press the play button to see the animation:

Example 1: A scribble effect:

Example 2: A spotlight effect:

Example 3: A porthole effect:

The challenge: Can you figure out how to achieve the scribble, spotlight and porthole effects showcased above?  Read the explanation below and see if you can  join the dots.  All will be revealed in the near future – watch this space.  

What exactly is a Mask Layer?

The content of a normal layer hides whatever is beneath it.  For example – in the screen shot below, the red disk is in a layer above the word "bravemouse".  Because its a normal layer, it hides the parts of the layer directly beneath it :

If I turned that disk  into a mask layer, it would have this effect:

The disk in the mask layer is revealing the part of the layer directly below it, and hiding the parts which are not.

How to create a mask layer

• Double click on the little "page" icon next to the layer's name.
• A dialogue will open in which you can adjust the layer's properties.
• You can set a layer as "Mask" or "Masked".
  • "Mask" is the mask layer – the content will be invisible, but will hide or reveal the "Masked" layer it is linked o
  • "Masked" – is linked to a mask layer.  The content of this layer is visible only where it is directly under filled shapes in the mask layer.

Another way to turn a layer into a mask layer:

• Right click on the little "page" icon next to the layer's name.
• Tick "Mask" from the drop down menu.
• You should see the icon of that layer change, and (this is important) the one below it as well.
• The top layer is the "Mask" layer,and the one below the "Masked" layer.

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