In Autodesk Sketchbook Pro on Windows and Mac, you use clipping masks through the Layer Editor. The clipping mask feature allows you to confine the content of one layer to the shape of another layer below it.
Enabling and Disabling Clipping Masks
The clipping mask functionality in Sketchbook is controlled through a dedicated button located on the right side of each layer within the Layer Editor.
- Button States: This button displays the current state of the clipping mask for that layer, showing either "disabled" or "enabled".
- Toggling the Mask: By simply tapping this button, you can switch the clipping mask on or off.
How Clipping Masks Work
When a layer has its clipping mask enabled:
- Content Restriction: Any content you draw, paint, or add to that layer will only be visible within the boundaries of the non-transparent pixels of the layer directly below it.
- Non-Destructive Editing: The clipping mask does not alter the original content of either layer; it only changes how the top layer's content is displayed.
Practical Examples
Here are some practical ways to use clipping masks:
- Adding shading and highlights: You can draw base colors on one layer, then create a new layer above it, enabling the clipping mask. This allows you to add shading and highlights without going outside the shape of the base colors.
- Applying textures: Use a clipping mask to apply a texture or pattern to a specific shape. The texture will remain constrained within the shape.
- Complex illustrations: Create elements in separate layers and use clipping masks to combine and refine them without erasing or permanently altering individual parts.
Steps to Use Clipping Mask
- Create a base layer: Start by drawing or adding the shape onto which you want to apply the clipping mask. This shape needs to have some opaque areas (non-transparent).
- Create a new layer above: Add a new layer directly above the base layer in the Layer Editor.
- Enable clipping mask: In this new layer, tap the clipping mask button on the right side.
- Draw/paint: Now, whatever you draw or paint on this layer will only appear within the shape of the base layer.
Key Takeaways
- The clipping mask feature in Sketchbook is accessed via a toggle button in the layer editor.
- It restricts the visibility of a layer based on the layer below it.
- It's a non-destructive method for creating complex effects without altering original layers.
