How do I convert a layer to a mask in Clip Studio?

To convert a layer to a mask in Clip Studio, you can use a selection or apply the mask to the entire layer:

Steps to Create a Layer Mask:

Here's how to convert a layer to a mask in Clip Studio, according to the reference provided:

1. Create a Selection (Optional):

   • Use a selection tool to create a selection on your canvas.
   • If you don't create a selection, the mask will be applied to the entire layer.

2. Select the Target Layer:

   • In the Layer palette, click to select the layer that you want to mask.

3. Apply the Layer Mask:

   • Go to the Layer menu.
   • Navigate to Layer Mask.
   • Choose Mask Outside Selection from the dropdown menu. This will hide everything outside the selection you made (if you made one) and show everything inside.

   Note: Other options in the Layer Mask menu can accomplish the same effect depending on how you want the mask to behave. You could, for example, choose to "Mask Selection", hiding everything inside the selection and showing what's outside.

Explanation

The above steps create a layer mask. This allows you to non-destructively control the visibility of the selected layer. Anything hidden by the mask can be recovered later by editing the mask.

Masking Behavior

• With a Selection: If a selection is active, the layer mask will hide anything outside the selection.
• Without a Selection: If no selection exists, the layer mask will be applied to the entire layer, allowing you to then use a brush tool with black and white colors to paint the area you want to be visible and invisible.

Example:

If you have a drawing of a tree on one layer, and you want to make parts of it look like they are being covered by leaves, you could draw a leaf with a selection tool and use the steps above. Everything outside that leaf selection will be hidden (but still there if you need to bring it back), giving the illusion the tree is behind the leaves.