Articles on: The editor

Using masks


A mask is an image or shape that shows only the part of the layers above it in the Layers panel that falls inside its shape, and hides the rest. Use a mask to create custom shapes, such as a photo inside a star. The covered elements keep their own animations, effects and links, so you can animate content inside the masked area.


These elements can be used as a mask:


  • Image: any Image element. The transparent parts of the image hide the covered content, so use a PNG or SVG with transparency to get a custom shape. A JPG has no transparency, so it masks as a plain rectangle.
  • Shapes: Rectangle, Oval, Polygon, Star and Triangle. The mask takes the outline of the shape.


The Shape element can't be used as a mask.


Creating a mask


To create a mask, use the Use as mask option on an image or shape:


  1. In the Layers panel, place the image or shape you want to use as a mask directly below the elements it should mask.
  2. Right-click the image or shape on the canvas or in the Layers panel.
  3. Select Use as mask.


Image: converting an image into a mask in the editor


The mask covers every layer above it in the Layers panel at the same level (in the same group, or at the top level of the scene). It stops when it reaches:


  • The top of the group the mask is in
  • The top of the layer tree
  • Another mask


A group above the mask is covered as a whole, including everything inside it.


Tip: place the mask and the elements it should cover inside a group, so the mask only affects that group.


In the Layers panel, the mask layer gets a mask icon, and a line runs from the mask up along the layers it covers.


Image: elements covered by a mask in the editor


Masks can't be rotated. Using an image or shape as a mask resets its rotation to 0°.


Mask settings and limitations


A mask (an image or shape you turned into a mask with Use as mask) has fewer settings than a normal element. The Animations, Effects, Links and Accessibility tabs are disabled for the mask. An image mask also loses its Background, Border, Rounding and Overlay settings.


These settings remain available for a mask:


  • Position and size: move and resize the mask to change which part of the covered content is visible.
  • Opacity: the mask's opacity also applies to the content it covers, so lowering it fades the whole masked area.
  • Image: for an image mask, click the image in the Image block ("Replace image" appears on hover) to choose a different image. Crop and alignment aren't available for a mask.
  • Shape settings: a shape mask keeps its Background, Border and Rounding settings and, for a Star or Polygon, its Polygon settings. Changing them changes the shape of the mask.
  • Show mask: when this is on, the mask's own image or shape is also shown, underneath the masked content. When it's off, the mask only hides content.


A mask has no rotation handle and no rotation field.


The elements and groups covered by the mask keep all their settings, including animations, effects and links. Any animation or effect on them is only visible inside the mask's shape.


Image: example of a masked image


Showing the mask image or shape


To show the mask's own image or shape underneath the masked content:


  1. Select the mask.
  2. In the Settings tab (the wrench icon), tick Show mask.


Removing a mask


To turn a mask back into a normal image or shape:


  1. Right-click the mask on the canvas or in the Layers panel.
  2. Select Unmask.


Image: unmasking an element


The element can then be rotated again, but its rotation stays at 0°: unmasking doesn't restore the rotation it had before it became a mask.


Frequently asked questions


Why can't I rotate my mask?


Masks can't be rotated: a mask has no rotation handle and no rotation field. Using an image or shape as a mask also resets its rotation to 0°. To rotate it, right-click it, select Unmask, and rotate it as a normal element. Using it as a mask again resets the rotation to 0°.


Why does my JPG mask show a plain rectangle?


An image mask hides content through the transparent parts of the image. A JPG has no transparency, so it masks as a plain rectangle. To mask with a custom shape, use a PNG or SVG with transparent areas, or use one of the shapes Rectangle, Oval, Polygon, Star or Triangle.


Why is "Use as mask" greyed out on the mobile layout?


On the mobile layout, Use as mask is greyed out for an element that also exists on the desktop layout. Whether an element is a mask applies to the element on all layouts, so switch to the desktop layout to use it as a mask or to unmask it.


Why don't I see "Use as mask" when I right-click an element?


Use as mask only appears when you right-click a single Image element or one of the shapes Rectangle, Oval, Polygon, Star or Triangle. It doesn't appear when several elements are selected. Other elements, including the Shape element, can't be used as a mask.


Can I animate a mask?


No. The Animations tab is disabled for a mask. You can animate the elements and groups the mask covers instead; their animations are only visible inside the mask's shape.

Updated on: 20/10/2026