How Do I Mask a Group in Adobe XD?

Masking a group in Adobe XD isn't a direct function like in some other design software. Instead, you achieve a similar effect using the Mask with Shape feature or by creating a clipping mask with a shape. This allows you to reveal only portions of the content within a group, effectively masking it.

Method 1: Using the "Mask with Shape" Feature

This method uses a shape to define the visible area of your group's contents.

1. Group your content: Select all the elements you want to mask and group them (right-click > Group).
2. Create a masking shape: Draw a shape (rectangle, ellipse, etc.) that will determine the visible area.
3. Position the shape: Place the shape on top of the group, covering the area you want to reveal.
4. Apply the mask: Select both the group and the shape. Then, go to Object > Mask with Shape. Alternatively, you can right-click and choose "Mask with Shape" (on Windows) or use the keyboard shortcut (Cmd+Option+M on macOS).

This will mask the group with the shape you've created. Only the part of the group content visible within the shape will be displayed.

Method 2: Creating a Clipping Mask using a Shape

Similar to the above, this method involves using a shape to mask the content. However, it's more of a visual clipping operation.

1. Group your content: As before, group the elements you want to mask.
2. Create a masking shape: Create a shape that will act as the mask.
3. Arrange the elements: Make sure the shape is above the grouped elements in the layers panel.
4. Create a clipping mask: Select both the shape (the mask) and the group. Then, go to Object > Clipping Mask.

This method also hides parts of the group based on the shape's boundaries.

Example: Masking a Photo

Let's say you have a background photo and want to only show a circular portion of it.

1. Import the photo.
2. Create a circle using the Ellipse tool.
3. Position the circle. Place the circle over the area of the photo you want to keep visible.
4. Group the photo. Group the image and the circle.
5. Apply the mask: Select both the grouped photo and the circle. Choose Object > Mask with Shape (or use the keyboard shortcut/right-click option).

Important Considerations:

• Adobe XD's masking capabilities are limited compared to software like Photoshop. You cannot easily create complex masks or inverse masks directly. Workarounds, such as using multiple shapes and masks or pre-masking your images in other software, may be necessary.
• The methods above use shapes for masks. You can't directly mask a group with another group.