Use clip masks

To modify the transparency of an object or object group by using a clip mask
To create a clip mask from an object transparency
To remove editable areas by using a clip mask
To combine a clip mask with an object or object group
To disable a clip mask
To delete a clip mask

A clip mask is a layer that floats above an object, which allows you to make changes to the object transparency without permanently modifying the object. You can create a clip mask that shows the object, so you can apply transparency to specific areas of the object. For example, if you want to reveal the image background through the object. Conversely, you can create a clip mask that hides the object, so you can apply transparency to gradually reveal only parts of the object. You can also convert an object transparency into a clip mask, so you can modify or remove the transparency effect.

The grayscale object (left) was stacked over the colored object (center), and a clip mask was created from the grayscale object (left). With the clip mask selected, the Paint tool was used to reveal the color in the butterfly’s wings (right).

In addition, you can conditionally remove an unwanted part of an object by defining an editable area to create a clip mask. For more information about editable areas, see Define editable areas.

If you are satisfied with the clip mask results, you can apply the change to the object permanently by combining the clip mask with the object.

You can also disable a clip mask to reveal the object, while preserving the clip mask, or delete a clip mask.

You can also apply a clip mask to an object group.

To modify the transparency of an object or object group by using a clip mask

Back to Top
1 Select an object or an object group.
2 Click Object Clip mask Create, and click one of the following:
• To show all — creates a clip mask that reveals the entire object or object group
• To hide all — creates a clip mask that makes the object or object group appear fully transparent
3 In the toolbox, click the Paint tool .
4 Click a color from the color palette.
Choose a lighter color, such as light gray, to apply less transparency. Choose a darker color, such as black, to apply more transparency.
5 Drag in the image window.

*

You can change only the active clip mask. The active clip mask has a red border around its thumbnail in the Objects inspector.

*

You can also create a clip mask that reveals the entire object or object group from the Objects inspector by clicking the Create clip mask button .

When you apply a clip mask to an object group, you can modify the view of individual objects in the clipped mask area by selecting them in the Objects inspector and moving them around.

To create a clip mask from an object transparency

Back to Top
1 Select an object or object group that has a transparency.
2 Click Object Clip mask Create From object transparency.

To remove editable areas by using a clip mask

Back to Top
1 Select an object or object group.
2 In the toolbox, choose a Mask tool.
3 In the image window, define an editable area.
4 Click Object Clip mask Create, and click one of the following:
• From mask — hides the area surrounding the editable area
• From inverted mask — hides the editable area while revealing only the area that surrounds it

*

You can also create a clip mask that reveals the entire object or object group from the Objects inspector by clicking the Create clip mask button .

To combine a clip mask with an object or object group

Back to Top
1 Select an object or object group that has a clip mask.
2 Click Object Clip mask Combine.

To disable a clip mask

Back to Top
1 Select an object or object group that has a clip mask.
2 Click Object Clip mask Disable.

To delete a clip mask

Back to Top
1 Select an object or object group that has a clip mask.
2 Click Object Clip mask Remove.

Was this page helpful? Send feedback.


The features documented in the Help are available in the full version of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2021. Some features may not be available in this version of the product.