Example: Using Mask Transparency and Color

You can use the Color option as a shortcut when masking complex shapes that require overlapping masks. Instead of determining the mask mode and invert options of the overlapping masks, use color to cut through an underlying mask.

In the following example, two masks are used to isolate the foreground (bird and pole) in the image.

The first mask is drawn around the bird and set to 100% Opacity and Invert is disabled by default.

The second mask is drawn in between the legs of the bird and set to 0% Color (and 100% opacity). Invert is disabled by default.

Since the second mask (between the legs of the bird) is on top of the first mask in the stack, and color has priority over opacity in the intersecting portions of the mask, the second mask (at 0% Color) cuts a hole through the first mask.

Note: You could also do this by setting the mode of the second mask to Subtract.