Converting Between Shapes and Masks
Because masks and shapes are created in similar ways but perform different tasks, there
are occasions where you may create a shape and later want to convert it into a mask, or
vice versa. Changing shapes to masks and masks to shapes is done by changing the
object’s position in the Layers list or by using the Object menu.
Note: Masks are not applicable to 3D paint strokes, 3D particle systems or replicators, 3D
text objects or unflattened 3D groups. To convert a shape to a mask on such an object,
the item must be flattened.
Different options are available when converting shapes to masks, depending on the type
of object being masked. The following steps apply when converting a shape to a mask
on an image-based object (movie or image sequence, images, generator, and so on).
To convert a shape to a mask on an image
1
Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).
Note: You can also add a preset shape from Shapes category in the Library.
2
In the Layers list, drag the shape object onto the layer to be masked.
The shape is converted into a mask. If the layer to which the mask is applied is not centered
in the Canvas, the position of the mask is slightly offset. This is because the position of
the converted mask is dependent upon the original position of the shape relative to the
center of its parent group.
To convert a shape to a mask on a group
1
Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).
2
In the Layers list, drag the shape onto the group layer and pause, holding down the
mouse button. When the drop menu appears, choose Move Mask To Group.
To convert a shape to a mask on the enclosing group
1
Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).
2
In the Layers list, select the shape object and do one of the following:
• Drag the shape onto the group layer and pause, holding down the mouse button.
When the drop menu appears, choose Move Mask To Group.
• Choose Object > Convert Shape to Mask.
To convert a shape to a mask on another shape
1
Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).
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Using Shapes, Masks, and Paint Strokes
2
In the Layers list, drag the shape object onto another shape object and pause, holding
down the mouse button.
A drop menu appears.
3
Choose Add Mask To Shape.
The shape is converted into a mask on the other shape.
Note: Spline masks are not applicable to 3D paint strokes. The Local 3D checkbox must
be deselected in the Stroke pane of the Shape Inspector for the drop menu to appear.
To convert a shape to a mask on a particle emitter or replicator
1
Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).
2
In the Layers list, drag the shape object onto an emitter or replicator and pause, holding
down the mouse button.
A drop menu appears.
3
Choose Add Mask To Emitter or Add Mask to Replicator.
The shape is converted into a mask on the particle emitter or replicator.
Note: The 3D checkbox must be deselected in the Emitter or Replicator Inspector for the
drop menu to appear.
To convert a shape to a mask on text
1
In the Layers list, select the text layer to mask.
2
In the Layout pane of the Text Inspector, ensure the Flatten checkbox is selected.
3
Use any of the shape tools to create a shape (or draw a paint stroke).
4
In the Layers list, drag the shape object onto a text layer.
Special Considerations When Converting Shapes to Masks
When you need to convert a shape to a mask, consider the following:
• When a shape is converted to a mask and applied to a scaled object, the resulting
mask is scaled as well. This may lead to unexpected results. To prevent surprises, set
the object to 100% scale or place the object in a new group and apply the mask to
the group.
• Converting a shape that has been manipulated in 3D into a mask may produce
unexpected results. For more information on applying masks to 3D objects, see
Masking Objects in a 3D Project
.
• When a transformed (scaled, rotated, or anchor point-adjusted) shape is converted
to a mask, the transforms are not maintained.
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To convert a mask to a shape
µ
In the Layers list, select a mask and do one of the following:
• Choose Object > Convert To Shape.
The shape moves to the bottom of the group.
• Drag the mask between two objects in the Layers list.
• Drag the mask onto the group layer and pause, holding down the mouse button. When
the drop menu appears, choose Move Shape To Group.