Creating masks

You can use a path object or an image object as a mask.

To create a path mask:

1	Create an object that you want to use as the top mask object.
2	Position the object or image over an area to be masked.
3	Select the top mask object and the objects to be masked.
4	Complete the path mask:
	Choose Modify > Mask Group > Mask to Path.
	Select just the objects to be masked and choose Edit > Cut. Then select the top mask object, and choose Edit > Paste Inside.

To center mask objects inside the top mask object:

Click the mask group handle located in the center of the mask group and drag until the image is centered the way you want it.

To create an image mask:

1	Create an object that you want to use as the top mask object. For example, create text with a gradient fill of black to white.
	Note: See Editing mask groups for information on creating unique edges and fills.
2	Position the object over the area of the image to be masked.
3	Select the top mask object and the objects to be masked.
4	Choose Modify > Mask Group > Mask to Image.
	The top object is used as an alpha object whose grayscale values mask the bottom objects.

Note: The top object need not be a path for this type of masking. It can be an image.