Add a Mask

In Vexy Lines, a Mask controls the visibility of the Fills within a Layer. It acts like a stencil, defining precisely where the artwork on that layer appears or is hidden. Each Layer can have one mask associated with it.

How to Add a Mask

To add or modify a mask for a specific Layer:

1. Select the target Layer in the Layers Panel.
2. Choose one of the mask creation tools from the Toolbar:
   Brush B): Paint mask.
   Rectangle I: Draw rectangular mask.
   Ellipse O: Draw square or elliptical mask.
   Freeform S: Draw custom mask.
3. Use the selected tool on the Canvas to define the mask area.

Mask Creation Methods

Masks can be created using two primary approaches:

• Manual Drawing: Use the Brush, Rectangle, Ellipse, or Freeform tools to draw shapes directly, defining the visible areas.
• Auto-Detection (Shape Tools): The Rectangle, Ellipse, and Freeform tools include an intelligent auto-detection feature. Clicking on distinct shapes or tonal areas in your source image will automatically generate a corresponding mask shape.

Using Auto-Detection Modifiers:

When using the auto-detection feature of the Rectangle, Ellipse, or Freeform tools:

• Click: Detects a shape and adds it to the existing mask area.
• ⌥+Click: Detects a shape and subtracts it from the existing mask area.

The following sections provide detailed instructions on using each specific mask creation tool effectively.