Masks
Clip the visible area of layers using a mask shape — show content only within the mask boundary.
What masks do
A mask uses the shape of one layer to define the visible area of the layers above it. Content outside the mask shape is hidden; content inside it is visible.
Use masks when you want:
- An image to appear inside a custom shape (circle, star, custom path)
- Multiple layers to be clipped to the same shape
- A more flexible alternative to frame clipping
Creating a mask
- Place the mask layer (the shape that defines the visible area) below the content you want to mask in the Layers panel.
- Select the mask layer on the canvas.
- Right-click and choose Use as mask, or find the option in the right inspector.
- The mask layer clips all layers above it within the same group.
The mask layer itself becomes invisible (its fill and stroke are hidden) and is used only for its shape.
Adjusting a mask
- Move the mask layer to reposition the clipping area.
- Resize the mask layer to expand or contract the visible area.
- Edit the mask layer's vector paths in vector edit mode to change the shape.
- Move the masked content layers independently within the group.
Removing a mask
- Select the mask layer in the Layers panel.
- Right-click and choose Remove mask.
All previously masked layers become fully visible again.
Tips
- Place the mask and the content it clips inside a group — this keeps the masking relationship clear in the Layers panel.
- For simple rectangular clips, using a Frame with Clip content enabled is simpler than a mask.
- Name your mask layer clearly (e.g., "circle mask") so collaborators understand the layer structure.