Do you want to create more intricate designs and illustrations in Procreate, but find that you’re running into the issue of not being able to draw outside the lines? Or maybe you want to make sure that your design stays within a certain boundary. In either case, using a clipping mask is a great way to get around this issue.
A clipping mask is essentially a mask that allows you to clip or limit the area of an image or layer that is visible. In this tutorial, we will be discussing what clipping masks are, how they work in Procreate, and how to use them!
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What We’re Talking About:
What is a Clipping Mask in Procreate?
How to Use a Clipping Mask in Procreate
Procreate Clipping Mask vs Layer Mask
What is Alpha Lock in Procreate?
How to Use Alpha Lock in Procreate
Procreate Clipping Mask vs Alpha Lock
Does Procreate have clipping masks?
Yes, Procreate does have clipping masks! Clipping masks are a great way to limit the area of an image or layer that is visible, which can be helpful if you’re wanting to create more intricate designs.
In order to use a clipping mask in Procreate, you will need to have two layers – one for the clipping mask and one for the image or layer that you want to be clipped.
The clipping mask layer will need to be above the image or layer that you want to clip in the layers panel.
Once you have your two layers set up, you can select the layer you are making your clipping mask. Click on the layer and select clipping mask.
This will clip the lower layer to the shape of the clipping mask layer. You can then move or adjust the clipping mask layer as needed.
If you are a visual learner and want to learn more about clipping masks and how to use them in Procreate, be sure to check out my video tutorial on how to use clipping masks in Procreate.
What is a clipping mask in Procreate?
A clipping mask is an invisible layer that can be used to clip (or mask) the pixels of a layer below it. Clipping masks are commonly used in image editing programs like Photoshop and GIMP, but they can also be used in Procreate.
When you create a clipping mask, you are essentially telling Procreate to only show the pixels that are within the clipping mask. Everything outside of the clipping mask will be hidden.
This is a great way to create complex masks and clipping paths without having to use the eraser tool.
What does a clipping mask do in Procreate?
A clipping mask clips (masks) the pixels of a layer below it. When you create a clipping mask, that clipping mask layer will only show the pixels that are within the clipping mask. Everything outside of the clipping mask will be hidden.
You can use a clipping mask on a layer after you have already drawn on it, but you can also use a clipping mask on a layer before you draw on it. This is extremely helpful when shading your artwork in Procreate.
How to Use a Clipping Mask in Procreate
To use a clipping mask in Procreate, first, you need to create a layer that you want to make your clipping mask layer. You can either create a new layer that will become your clipping mask, or you can turn an existing layer of artwork into a clipping mask as seen below.
To do this, tap the plus sign in the top right corner of the layers panel and then add a new layer. (Disregard this step if you have a layer with your artwork already). Click on the new layer and select “Clipping Mask” from the layer actions on the left side of the layers panel.
Now that you have created a clipping mask layer, you can either draw on that layer or add an image to it. If your layer already had your artwork on it, you should now see it clipped to the object on the layer below it as seen in the image.
The clipping mask layer will only show the pixels that are within the clipping mask. Everything outside of the clipping mask will be hidden.
If you want to draw on your clipping mask layer, make sure that the layer below it is selected. This way, when you draw, only the pixels within the clipping mask will be affected.
What are masks and clipping masks used for in Procreate?
Clipping masks can be used for many things in Procreate. Using a clipping mask allows you to add the content of a layer on top of another layer without going outside the lines of your content.
Clipping masks are commonly used to add shadows, highlights, details, and color adjustments without affecting the original shape or piece of content below your clipping mask.
How do you make a mask on Procreate?
There are two ways to make a mask in Procreate. The first way is to use the clipping mask tool. The second way is to use the layer mask tool.
The layer mask tool can be found on the left side of the layers panel when you click on a particular layer, revealing the layer actions on the left-hand side. To add a layer mask, click on the layer, then click “Mask” to add a layer mask.
Clipping Mask vs Layer Mask in Procreate
The key difference between clipping masks and layer masks in Procreate is that clipping masks are on top of another layer of artwork, making it possible to add details to the layer below without editing the original layer. Layer masks are directly on your layer of artwork, so there is no protection of the original layer from your editing.
A layer mask is different from a clipping mask as you can only use a regular layer mask on one single layer. A clipping mask can be used to mask several layers by one shape.
Another distinct difference between a clipping mask and a layer mask in Procreate is that you can see the layer mask itself on Procreate, whereas clipping masks are invisible in Procreate. Most illustrators tend to work with clipping masks versus layer masks in Procreate.
Procreate Clipping Mask on a Clipping Mask
If you want to use a clipping mask on a clipping mask, simply create a clipping mask and then add another clipping mask on top of it. This will allow you to use the clipping mask tool on multiple layers without having to go outside the lines of your original content.
To do this, create a clipping mask layer and then add another clipping mask layer on top of it.
As seen in the image above, you can use a double clipping mask if you want to recolor an existing object in addition to adding texture or shading to it.
Procreate Clipping Mask Lettering
If you want to use a clipping mask for your lettering, you can do so by adding a clipping mask on top of your text layer. This will allow you to add shadows, highlights, and details without affecting the original text.
To do this, create a clipping mask layer on top of the layer with your original lettering text in it. Add shadow, texture, and other details to the clipping mask layer.
Procreate Alpha Lock
Using Alpha Lock in Procreate allows you to lock your layer’s transparency (or alpha) while still allowing you to draw on it. When you apply Alpha Lock to a layer in Procreate, you are only able to pain within shapes or drawing that already exists on that layer (known as the alpha).
How to Use Alpha Lock in Procreate
To use alpha lock on a layer in Procreate, first, you need to create artwork on the layer that you wish to use alpha lock on. Once you have your artwork or object drawn on the layer, click on the layer and select “Alpha Lock” from the layer actions on the left side of the layers panel.
Now that you have created an alpha lock on your layer, you can either draw on that layer without going outside of the current artwork.
Clipping Mask vs Alpha Lock in Procreate
While clipping masks and alpha locks both allow you to add detail and adjustments without affecting the original content, there are some key differences between the two.
Clipping masks only affect the layers below it while alpha lock affects all layers below and above it.
Alpha lock only allows you to draw within the existing shapes on a layer, whereas clipping masks allow you to add new content on top of the clipping mask layer.
When should you use a clipping mask vs alpha lock in Procreate?
It really depends on your project and what you’re trying to achieve. If you want to add detail or adjustments to a layer without affecting any other layers, then clipping masks are your best bet.
If you want to lock your transparency while still being able to draw on the layer, then alpha lock is the way to go.
How do you use clipping masks and alpha locks in Procreate?
Clipping masks and alpha locks are both found in the layers panel in Procreate. To add a clipping mask, click on the layer you want to affect and then click “Clipping Mask.” To add an alpha lock, click on the layer you want to affect and then click “Alpha Lock.”
How do you trace perfectly in Procreate?
There is no one perfect way to trace in Procreate. However, there are a few methods that can help you get better results.
One method is to use the clipping mask tool. First, create a new layer on top of your image. Then, select the clipping mask option for your layer in the layers panel.
This will create a clipping mask that you can then use to draw on the new layer.
Another method is to use the alpha lock tool. First, select the layer you want to trace. Then, click on the “alpha lock” icon in the layers panel.
This will lock your transparency so that you can only draw within the existing shapes on the layer.
Once you’ve locked your transparency, you can use the pencil or brush tool to trace around the edge of the object.
Both of these methods will help you get better results when tracing in Procreate.
How do you fill in Procreate without going over?
There are a few different ways to fill in Procreate without going over. One method is to use the clipping mask tool.
First, create a new layer on top of your image. Then, select the clipping mask option for your layer.
This will create a clipping mask that you can then use to fill in the new layer.
Another method is to use the alpha lock tool. First, select the layer you want to fill in. Then, click on the “alpha lock” icon in the layers panel.
This will lock your transparency so that you can only draw within the existing shapes on the layer.
Once you’ve locked your transparency, you can use the pencil or brush tool to fill in the object.
You can use either clipping masks or the alpha lock feature in Procreate to fill in a shape without going over the lines!
How do you not draw outside the lines in Procreate?
If you’re trying to not draw outside the lines in Procreate, there are a few different methods you can use.
One method is to use the clipping mask tool. First, create a new layer on top of your image. Then, select the clipping mask option for your layer.
This will create a clipping mask that you can then use to draw on the new layer.
Another method is to use the alpha lock tool. First, select the layer you don’t want to draw outside of. Then, click on the “alpha lock” icon in the layers panel.
This will lock your transparency so that you can only draw within the existing shapes on the layer.
Once you’ve locked your transparency, you can use the pencil or brush tool to draw within the object or artwork.
Using both clipping masks and alpha lock will help you draw within the lines on Procreate.
Procreate Clipping Mask FAQS
What is a clipping mask in Procreate?
A clipping mask is a tool that allows you to add detail and adjustments to a layer without affecting any other layers.
What’s the difference between clipping masks and layer masks in Procreate?
The main difference between clipping masks and layer masks is that clipping masks only affect the layers below it while alpha lock affects all layers below and above it.
When should you use a clipping mask vs alpha lock in Procreate?
It really depends on your project and what you’re trying to achieve. If you want to add detail or adjustments to a layer without affecting any other layers, then clipping masks are your best bet.
If you want to lock your transparency while still being able to draw on the layer, then alpha lock is the way to go.
How do you use clipping masks and alpha locks in Procreate?
Clipping masks and alpha locks are both found in the layers panel in Procreate. To add a clipping mask, click on the layer you want to affect and then click “Clipping Mask.” To add an alpha lock, click on the layer you want to affect and then click “Alpha Lock.”
What are some uses for clipping masks in Procreate?
Some other uses for clipping masks include creating shadows, highlights, and adding texture.
Use Clipping Masks in Procreate
Now that you know how to use a clipping mask in Procreate, you can start creating complex clipping paths and masks without having to use the eraser tool. clipping masks are a great way to add shadows, highlights, details, and color adjustments without affecting the original shape or piece of content below your clipping mask.
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Great tutorial, thank you for breaking down the process of using a clipping mask in Procreate! I’m excited to try this technique in my own artwork.
Thanks for sharing this informative video on how to use clipping masks in Procreate! I’ve been looking for a better way to organize my layers and this tip has been a game-changer. Can’t wait to try it out in my next project! 🙌