Polygon Masks

Use the polygon mask to draw a mask around the subject you want to isolate. The polygon mask tool allows you to make precise masks since you control where the control points are placed. You can also adjust tangent handles on the control points as you draw the mask.

To draw a polygon mask:

1. Select the front layer (the layer to which you want to add a mask).
2. Choose Operators | Mask | Draw Mask, or right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Macintosh) and choose Mask | Draw Mask from the context menu.

The selected layer is loaded into the mask operator.

3. Show the Toolbar.

The polygon mask tool is selected by default.



4. In the viewport, draw the mask around the subject you want to isolate. As you place the control points, drag the mouse to create tangent handles.
5. To close the polygon mask, do one of the following:
• Hold the cursor over the first point until the cursor changes to and click the point.
• Press Esc or Enter.

The mask is closed and the Control Points option is selected by default.



6. To invert the mask, enable the Invert button.

Note: By default, the area inside a mask is preserved (a "holdout" mask). You can invert the mask so the area outside the mask is removed (a "garbage mask").

7. Refine the mask as needed. For information on tangent handles, see Editing Masks.
8. Click the Back button to return to the composite and see the results of the masking operation.

Note: To switch to the mask operator to make more adjustments, click the Forward button. You can also double-click an operator in the Workspace panel to make it current.