How to use a clipping mask in procreate to place a photo inside any custom shape , by Montana Decal Gal on YouTube. 2 min 33 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 33 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Open Procreate, tap the plus sign, choose a canvas size, then pick a brush from the Brush Library.
In the Layers panel, tap the plus sign to add a layer. Draw the shape you want, such as a circle or badge outline.
Fill the shape with color so it has solid pixels. Drag a color from the top right color circle into the shape, or use ColorDrop.
Tap the plus sign in Layers to add a new layer above the shape. Open Actions, tap Add, then Insert a photo and choose your image.
Use the Transform tool to move and resize the photo. Place the part you want inside the shape over the filled shape.
Open the Layers panel and tap the photo layer to select it. Tap the layer name once, then tap Clipping Mask.
The photo now stays inside the shape. Use Transform again to slide the photo until the best part shows through the shape.
If you want a background, add a layer below the shape and fill it with a color. Export with Actions, Share, then PNG or JPG.
Tips and common mistakes
A clipping mask uses the layer directly below it, so keep the filled shape underneath the photo with no blank layer between.
If only the shape outline clips the photo, fill the shape first. Transparent areas in the base layer become transparent in the clipped photo.
To remove a clipping mask, open Layer Options for the photo layer and tap Clipping Mask again.
Move or resize the photo after clipping rather than moving the shape if you want to adjust the crop.
Questions
Why is Clipping Mask greyed out in Procreate?
It needs a layer with content directly below the selected layer. Make sure the photo layer is above the filled shape and not at the bottom of the stack.
What is the difference between a clipping mask and Alpha Lock?
A clipping mask uses the transparency of another layer to hide parts of the selected layer. Alpha Lock keeps you painting only on the existing pixels of the same layer.
Can I edit the shape after clipping the photo?
Yes. Tap the shape layer, then use Transform or paint on it. The clipped photo updates to follow the shape's edges.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
