Clipping masks, alpha lock, and masks #procreate #tutorial, by Ollinc on YouTube. 1 min 13 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 13 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Open your canvas and tap the Layers icon, the two stacked squares at the top right, to see your layer list.
Tap the plus sign to add a new layer directly above the layer that holds your base shape or color.
Tap the new layer once to open Layer Options, then tap Clipping Mask so a small arrow points down to the layer below.
Paint on the clipped layer. Your strokes only appear inside the pixels of the layer underneath, so you cannot spill over the edges.
To use Alpha Lock instead, tap the layer you want to paint on and choose Alpha Lock in Layer Options.
With Alpha Lock on, brush anywhere on that layer and the paint stays inside the marks already there.
For a layer mask, tap a layer, choose Mask, then paint black to hide parts and white to bring them back.
Tap the mask thumbnail to switch between editing the mask and editing the artwork itself.
Tips and common mistakes
A clipping mask only works when the layer below already has visible pixels on it.
Clipping mask affects a whole layer, while Alpha Lock limits paint to the shapes on that same layer.
Paint on masks with soft brushes and swap black and white to fine tune the edges.
Tap Clipping Mask or Alpha Lock again in Layer Options to turn either one off.
Questions
What is the difference between a clipping mask and alpha lock?
A clipping mask makes one layer follow the outline of the layer below it. Alpha Lock keeps your brush inside the pixels already painted on the same layer.
Why does my clipping mask show nothing?
The layer below is probably empty or hidden. Add color or a shape to the base layer first, then paint on the clipped layer.
How do I remove a clipping mask?
Tap the clipped layer to open Layer Options and tap Clipping Mask again. The arrow disappears and the layer paints normally.
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.
