A Layer Mask controls which parts of a layer are visible without permanently removing any content. Instead of erasing parts of a layer, you paint on the mask to hide or reveal different areas.

Layer Masks can be added to most layer types and are edited using the Brush Tool.

How Layer Masks Work

A Layer Mask is a grayscale image attached to a layer. The brightness of the pixels on the mask determine the opacity of the corresponding pixels on the parent layer:

• White: Fully visible.

• Black: Fully hidden.

• Gray: Partially transparent.

By default, all pixels on a mask are white.

Unlike erasing, a Layer Mask is non-destructive. Hidden areas can be revealed again at any time by repainting the mask.

Editing a Layer Mask

When a Layer Mask is selected, the Brush Tool switches to mask editing mode. Instead of painting textures or colors, the Brush Tool paints grayscale values onto the mask. The following options are available:

• Mask Opacity: Select the grayscale value to paint onto the mask.

• Show Mask: Display the Layer Mask as a grayscale overlay while editing.

Copying Layer Masks

A Layer Mask can be copied to another compatible layer using the layer context menu. This allows the same mask shape to be reused without repainting it.

See Also

• Brush Tool: Paint textures and colors onto Brush Layers.

• Brush Layers: Store the terrain textures used by Clip Masks.

• Land Layers: Create and manage Land Layers.