Convert between shapes and masks

Convert between shapes and masks

Because masks and shapes are created in similar ways but perform different tasks, there are occasions where you may create a shape and later want to convert it into a mask, or vice versa. Different options are available when converting shapes to masks, depending on the type of object being masked. When you need to convert a shape to a mask, consider the following:

  • When a shape is converted to a mask and applied to a scaled object, the resulting mask is scaled as well. This may lead to unexpected results. To prevent surprises, set the object to 100% scale or place the object in a new group and apply the mask to the group.

  • Converting a shape that has been manipulated in 3D into a mask may produce unexpected results. For more information on working with masks in 3D projects, see Mask a layer.

  • When a transformed (scaled, rotated, or anchor point-adjusted) shape is converted to a mask, the transforms are not maintained.

Note: Masks are not applicable to 3D paint strokes, 3D particle systems or replicators, 3D text, or unflattened 3D groups. To convert a shape to a mask on such an object, the item must be flattened.

Convert a shape to a mask on an image

  1. Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).

    Note: You can also add a preset shape from Shapes category in the Library.

  2. In the Layers list, drag the shape object onto the layer to be masked.

    The shape is converted into a mask. If the layer to which the mask is applied is not centered in the Canvas, the position of the mask is slightly offset. This is because the position of the converted mask is dependent upon the original position of the shape relative to the center of its parent group.

Convert a shape to a mask on a group

  1. Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).

  2. In the Layers list, drag the shape onto the group layer and pause, holding down the mouse button, then when the drop menu appears, choose Move Mask To Group.

Convert a shape to a mask on the enclosing group

  1. Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).

  2. In the Layers list, select the shape layer and do one of the following:

    • Drag the shape onto the group and pause, holding down the mouse button, then when the drop menu appears, choose Move Mask To Group.

    • Choose Object > Convert to Mask.

Convert a shape to a mask on another shape

  1. Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).

  2. In the Layers list, drag the shape object onto another shape object and pause, holding down the mouse button.

    A drop menu appears.

  3. Choose Add Mask To Shape, then release the mouse button.

    The shape is converted into a mask on the other shape.

    Note: Spline masks are not applicable to 3D paint strokes. The Local 3D checkbox must be deselected for the paint stroke in the Stroke pane of the Shape Inspector for the drop menu to appear.

Convert a shape to a mask on a particle emitter or replicator

  1. Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).

  2. In the Layers list, drag the shape object onto an emitter or replicator and pause, holding down the mouse button.

    A drop menu appears.

  3. Choose Add Mask To Emitter or Add Mask to Replicator, then release the mouse button.

    The shape is converted into a mask on the particle emitter or replicator.

    Note: The 3D checkbox must be deselected in the Emitter or Replicator Inspector for the drop menu to appear.

Convert a shape to a mask on basic text and 3D text

  1. In the Layers list, select the text layer to mask.

  2. In the Layout pane of the Text Inspector, ensure the Flatten checkbox is selected.

  3. Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).

  4. In the Layers list, drag the shape object onto the text layer.

Convert a mask to a shape

  • In the Layers list, select a mask and do one of the following:

    • Choose Object > Convert To Shape.

      The shape moves to the bottom of the group.

    • Drag the mask between two objects in the Layers list.

    • Drag the mask onto the group layer and pause, holding down the mouse button; when the drop menu appears, choose Move Shape To Group.