In Clip Studio Paint, masking a selection allows you to hide parts of a layer without permanently deleting them, offering non-destructive editing. You can achieve this through several methods:
Method 1: Using the Layer Mask Feature
- Select your layer: In the Layers palette, choose the layer containing the image you want to mask.
- Create a layer mask: Right-click on the layer and select "Layer Mask," then choose "Mask Outside Selection." Alternatively, you can click the "Create Layer Mask" button. This creates a mask based on your current selection; areas outside the selection are masked (hidden). If you select "Mask Selection" instead, it will hide everything inside your selection. This method directly links the mask to your selection.
Method 2: Using Quick Mask Mode
Quick Mask provides a more flexible, visual way to create and modify masks.
- Activate Quick Mask: Click the Quick Mask button (typically a circle with a checkered pattern) in the toolbar. This overlays a red transparent layer on your canvas.
- Paint: Paint directly onto the canvas to create the area you want to keep visible. The red area will be hidden by the mask when exiting Quick Mask. Use a brush with soft edges for smoother transitions between masked and unmasked areas.
- Deactivate Quick Mask: Click the Quick Mask button again to exit Quick Mask Mode. This creates a layer mask based on your painted areas. The masked areas will be the color of the red overlay you had when in Quick Mask mode.
Understanding Layer Masks
As noted in various online tutorials and the Clip Studio Paint help documentation, layer masks are non-destructive. They hide parts of a layer without altering the underlying image data. This allows for easy adjustments and experimentation. You can easily modify the mask later by painting on it (in black to hide, white to reveal) or altering your original selection.
- Advantages: Non-destructive editing, precise control over layer visibility, ideal for complex selections or gradual opacity changes.
- Resources: For more detailed tutorials and explanations, consult the official Clip Studio Paint help documentation (https://help.clip-studio.com/en-us/manual_en/180_layers/Layer_masks.htm) and various online video tutorials (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYuVjCePPfE).
