How to Use Mask Layers in Adobe Animate CC?

To use mask layers in Adobe Animate CC, you essentially create a layer that defines the visible area of the layer(s) beneath it. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Steps to Create a Mask Layer

1. Create New Layers: Open your Adobe Animate CC project. You'll need at least two layers: one for the mask and one for the content you want to mask. Select Insert > Timeline > Layer to create a new layer above the layer you want to mask.
2. Designate the Mask Layer: The top layer will be your mask layer. You'll draw your mask shape on this layer.
3. Create the Mask Shape: On the mask layer, use drawing tools (e.g., Oval, Rectangle, Brush, or Pen tool) to create the shape you want to use as a mask. This shape determines what part of the layer(s) below will be visible. You can use a filled shape, text, or a symbol instance. Ensure the mask shape is filled; outlines won't work as masks.
4. Assign Masking: Right-click on the mask layer in the timeline. Select "Mask" from the context menu. This action automatically links the mask layer to the layer directly below it.
5. Result: Animate automatically applies the mask. The layer(s) beneath the mask layer are now only visible within the bounds of the mask shape.

Important Considerations:

• Layer Order: Mask layers always mask the layer immediately below them. Ensure your layers are stacked correctly in the timeline.
• Mask Layer Content: The actual content on the mask layer itself isn't visible. Only the shape is used to define the masking area.
• Multiple Layers: You can mask multiple layers by placing them below the mask layer. All these layers will be affected by the mask.
• Unlocking/Locking Layers: Lock the mask and masked layers to prevent accidental edits and to view the final masked effect. Unlock them to make changes.
• Animation: You can animate the mask layer to create dynamic reveal effects. Animate the shape, position, or properties of the mask to change what's visible over time.
• Groups and Symbols: Masks work with groups and symbols, offering more complex animations and effects.

Example

Let's say you have a picture of a landscape on Layer 1 and you want to view it through a circle.

1. Create Layer 2 above Layer 1.
2. On Layer 2 (the mask layer), draw a circle.
3. Right-click on Layer 2 and choose "Mask".

Now, only the part of the landscape within the circle will be visible. If you move the circle on the mask layer, the visible portion of the landscape will change accordingly.