Changing the way masks are applied

You can use the Property inspector to ensure that you are editing a mask and to identify the type of mask you are working on. When a mask is selected, the Property inspector lets you change the way the mask is applied. If the Property inspector is minimized, click the expander arrow to see all properties.

Vector masks are applied using their path outline by default. The outline of the path or text is used as the mask. Optionally, you can show the mask's fill and stroke. This produces the same result as using Paste Inside to create masks. For more information, see Creating a mask from an existing object.

A vector mask applied using its path outline with Show Fill and Stroke enabled

By applying a bitmap mask using its alpha channel, you can create a mask that looks similar to a vector mask applied using its path outline. When you apply a mask using its alpha channel, the transparency of the mask object affects the visibility of the object being masked.

A bitmap mask applied using its alpha channel

Both vector and bitmap masks can be applied using their grayscale appearance. Bitmap masks are applied using their grayscale appearance by default. When a mask is applied using its grayscale appearance, the lightness of its pixels determines how much of the masked object is displayed. Light pixels display the masked object. Darker pixels in the mask knock out the image and show the background. Applying masks using their grayscale appearance creates interesting effects if the mask object contains a pattern or gradient fill.

A vector mask with a pattern fill applied using its grayscale appearance

You can also convert vector masks into bitmap masks. Bitmap masks cannot be converted into vector masks, however.

For more information about vector and bitmap masks, see About masks.

To apply a vector mask using its path outline:

• Select Path Outline in the Property inspector when a vector mask is selected.

To show a vector mask's fill and stroke:

• Select Show Fill and Stroke in the Property inspector when a vector mask that has been applied using its path outline is selected.

To apply a bitmap mask using its alpha channel:

• Select Alpha Channel in the Property inspector when a bitmap mask is selected.

To apply a vector or bitmap mask using its grayscale appearance:

• Select Grayscale Appearance in the Property inspector when a mask is selected.

To convert a vector mask to a bitmap mask:

1. In the Layers panel, select the thumbnail of the mask object.
2. Select Modify > Flatten Selection.