Creating a Simple Mask

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A mask can cover a layer completely or with varying levels of opacity. Where a mask is black, it completely covers the layer, and where it is white, it leaves the layer uncovered. If you use a grey value between black and white, the mask produces a semi-visible effect.

Although Paint Shop Pro includes a number of masks and hundreds more are available on the Internet, you might want to design your own mask.

For an example, we'll create a mask with a simple oval shape.

NOTE

It's easier to create a mask if you don't have any other images open when you're creating it.

So far, you have an image consisting of an oval. Next, you need to tell Paint Shop Pro that the image is intended for a mask.

Because the image was originally created as a background layer, the background must first be promoted to a regular layer.

NOTE

Click on File, Preferences, General Program Preferences. Then click on the Transparency tab to determine the way that Paint Shop Pro displays a transparent area on your screen.

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