Adding nodes
The default handles that appear in vector mask edit mode indicate the
start and end points of the transparency gradient. For a directional
mask (the most basic style), a hollow handle represents the point of
100% transparency, and the solid handle represents the point of
100% opacity.
When a vector mask is in edit mode, you can add nodes to set addi-
tional opacity levels. The default mask has a start and end point, with
a smooth transition from opacity to transparency between the start
and end point. When you add nodes, you set the opacity level at each
node.
To add a node, select the masked object, and then click the vector
transparency tool for the mask style to enter edit mode. Point to the
mask vector and press Ctrl and click (Mac) or right-click (Windows)
on the mask vector. An opacity slider appears. Use the slider to set
the opacity level of the new node. Set the slider to 100 to make the
mask opaque at the node. Set the slider to 0 to make the mask com-
pletely transparent at the node. Select a value between 0 and 100 to
make the mask semi-transparent at the node.
When you edit rectangular or elliptical vector mask styles, you can
add nodes to the horizontal vector that joins the inner box (which rep-
resents the area of 100% opacity) to the objects bounding box. When
you edit radial mask styles, you can add nodes to the circle, which
represents the 360 degree sweep of the mask.
Editing values in the Transparency palette
You can change values in the Transparency palette to make precise
changes to a vector mask. When you change the mask settings, Can-
vas updates the mask handles to match the current position values.
Nodes (small circles) let you set
several opacity levels in a
directional vector mask
Use the pop-up opacity slider to
set the opacity level of a node.
You can add a series of nodes
for additional control of a trans-
parency mask.
Setting node opacity
Directional
Rectangular