You can create a clipping mask in Photopea to constrain a layer's visibility to the shape of another layer by right-clicking the layer you want to clip and selecting "Clipping Mask". Alternatively, you can use the menu Layer -> Clipping Mask, or press Alt + Ctrl + G.
Here's a breakdown of how to use clipping masks effectively in Photopea:
Understanding Clipping Masks
A clipping mask uses one layer (the base layer) to define the visibility of another layer (the clipped layer). Think of it like using a cookie cutter: the base layer is the cutter, and the clipped layer is the dough. Only the part of the "dough" (clipped layer) that falls within the "cutter" (base layer) will be visible.
Steps to Create a Clipping Mask in Photopea
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Prepare Your Layers: Make sure you have at least two layers:
- A base layer (the shape or content you want to use as the mask). This is the layer that defines what will be visible.
- A clipped layer (the layer you want to constrain). This is the layer that will be masked. It needs to be positioned directly above the base layer in the Layers panel.
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Select the Clipped Layer: Click on the clipped layer in the Layers panel to select it.
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Create the Clipping Mask: There are three ways to create the clipping mask:
- Right-Click Method: Right-click on the selected (clipped) layer in the Layers panel and choose "Clipping Mask" from the context menu.
- Menu Method: Go to the top menu bar and select
Layer -> Clipping Mask. - Keyboard Shortcut: Press
Alt + Ctrl + G(orOption + Command + Gon a Mac).
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Observe the Result: The clipped layer will now be indented slightly in the Layers panel, indicating that it's part of a clipping mask. Only the portion of the clipped layer that overlaps with the base layer is visible.
Modifying and Removing Clipping Masks
- Moving Layers: You can move the clipped layer independently within the clipping mask to adjust its visible area. Moving the base layer will change the mask's shape or position.
- Adding More Layers: You can add more layers to the clipping mask. Simply position them directly above the base layer in the Layers panel and repeat the clipping mask creation process.
- Releasing the Clipping Mask: To remove a clipping mask, select the clipped layer, then right-click and choose "Clipping Mask" again (or use the menu or keyboard shortcut). This toggles the clipping mask on and off.
Example Scenario
Let's say you have a text layer ("Hello") and a picture layer (a colorful gradient) above the text layer in the layers panel. By creating a clipping mask from the picture layer to the text layer, only the part of the picture that is inside the text "Hello" will be visible, effectively filling the text with the gradient.
