5 Easy Steps to Mastering Clipping Masks in Procreate

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 7 min read

Learning how to use clipping masks in Procreate can open up a world of creative possibilities for your digital art projects. In this blog post, we will guide you through 5 easy steps to help you master clipping masks in Procreate. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this tutorial will help you enhance your digital art skills and create amazing effects in no time.

1. Understanding Clipping Masks

Before we dive into the process of creating clipping masks in Procreate, let's first understand what they are and how they differ from other features like alpha lock.

What are Clipping Masks?

Clipping masks are a powerful feature in Procreate that allows you to apply a texture, pattern, or color to a specific layer—without altering the original artwork. Essentially, a clipping mask uses the layer below it as a "guide" to determine which parts of the mask will be visible. This gives you the flexibility to create intricate effects and easily modify your artwork without permanently changing the base layer.

Difference between Clipping Masks and Alpha Lock

While both clipping masks and alpha lock can be used to apply effects to specific areas of your artwork, there are some key differences between the two:

Clipping masks create a new layer above the base layer, allowing you to apply effects without altering the original artwork. This means you can easily turn the mask on and off, or adjust it separately from the base layer.
Alpha lock, on the other hand, restricts your painting to the existing pixels on a layer. When you enable alpha lock, any changes you make are applied directly to the layer and cannot be easily removed or adjusted without affecting the original artwork.

Now that we have a better understanding of what clipping masks are and how they differ from alpha lock, let's move on to setting up your canvas and creating your first clipping mask in Procreate.

2. Setting Up Your Canvases

Before you start using clipping masks in Procreate, it's essential to set up your canvas correctly. This includes choosing the right size and working with layers effectively.

Choosing the Right Size

When setting up your canvas in Procreate, consider your final output. For example, if you're creating artwork for print, you'll likely need a larger canvas size with a higher resolution. If you're designing for digital use, a smaller canvas size with a lower resolution may be sufficient. By choosing the right canvas size, you'll ensure your finished artwork looks crisp and clear, no matter where it's displayed.

Working with Layers

Layers are a crucial part of using clipping masks in Procreate, as they allow you to separate different elements of your artwork and apply effects to specific areas. When setting up your canvas, it's a good idea to organize your layers logically. For example, you could have a layer for your base artwork, a layer for shading, and another layer for highlights. This will make it easier to manage your artwork and apply clipping masks effectively.

Now that your canvas is set up and your layers are organized, you're ready to create a clipping mask in Procreate.

3. Creating a Clipping Mask

Once your canvas and layers are prepared, you can start creating your clipping mask. This process involves selecting the right brush and applying the mask to your desired layer.

Selecting the Right Brush

Procreate offers a wide variety of brushes to choose from, each with unique textures and effects. When selecting a brush for your clipping mask, consider the desired outcome for your artwork. For instance, if you want to add a subtle texture, a soft, textured brush might be a good choice. If you're looking for a more dramatic effect, a bold, patterned brush could be more suitable.

Applying the Mask

To create a clipping mask in Procreate, follow these simple steps:

Create a new layer above the layer you want to apply the mask to.
Select your desired brush and color.
Paint on the new layer where you want the effect to appear.
Tap on the new layer's thumbnail and select "Clipping Mask" from the menu.

Your clipping mask is now applied, and the effect is visible on the base layer. Next, let's explore how to edit and adjust your clipping masks in Procreate.

4. Editing and Adjusting Clipping Masks

After creating a clipping mask, you may need to make some adjustments to achieve your desired look. In this section, we'll cover transforming the mask and using blending modes to fine-tune your artwork.

Transforming the Mask

Procreate allows you to transform your clipping mask easily. To do this, follow these steps:

Select the clipping mask layer by tapping on its thumbnail.
Tap the "Transform" tool (represented by the arrow icon).
Use the on-screen handles to resize, rotate, or move your mask as needed.
Tap the "Transform" tool again to apply your changes.

By transforming your clipping mask, you can achieve a range of effects, such as making the texture more prominent or repositioning it for a better composition.

Blending Modes

Blending modes are another powerful tool you can use to enhance your clipping masks in Procreate. These modes determine how your clipping mask interacts with the layers below, allowing you to create unique effects and fine-tune your artwork.

To access blending modes, tap on the "N" icon next to the layer thumbnail. Some popular blending modes to experiment with include:

Multiply: This mode darkens your clipping mask, making it more visible on lighter areas.
Screen: This mode lightens your clipping mask, making it more visible on darker areas.
Overlay: This mode combines both Multiply and Screen, adding depth and contrast to your mask.

Feel free to experiment with different blending modes to find the one that best suits your artwork. Now that you know how to edit and adjust clipping masks, let's explore some advanced techniques for using them in Procreate.

5. Advanced Techniques

Once you've mastered the basics of using clipping masks in Procreate, you may want to explore some advanced techniques to take your artwork to the next level. In this section, we'll cover combining multiple clipping masks and creating text effects.

Combining Multiple Clipping Masks

Using multiple clipping masks can help you achieve even more intricate and detailed effects in your artwork. To do this, simply create a new clipping mask layer above the existing one and paint your desired effect. The new mask will only affect the layers below it, allowing you to create complex, layered textures and patterns.

Creating Text Effects

Clipping masks are also useful for adding interesting effects to text in Procreate. Here's how:

Add a text layer to your canvas by tapping the "Actions" menu, then "Add Text."
Type your desired text and adjust its size, font, and alignment as needed.
Create a new layer above your text layer and apply a clipping mask, following the steps outlined earlier.
Paint your desired effect onto the clipping mask layer, which will now be visible only within the text boundaries.

Using clipping masks for text effects is a great way to enhance your typography and make your artwork stand out.

Now that you've learned how to use clipping masks in Procreate, you're well-equipped to enhance your digital artwork and create stunning effects. With practice and experimentation, you'll soon master this versatile tool and unlock its full potential.

4. Editing and Adjusting Clipping Masks

So you've created a clipping mask, but it might not be perfect just yet. Don't worry, Procreate offers various tools to help you edit and adjust your masks. In this section, we'll focus on transforming the mask and using blending modes for that extra touch of finesse.

Transforming the Mask

It's super easy to transform your clipping mask in Procreate. Just follow these simple steps:

Tap on the clipping mask layer thumbnail to select it.
Tap the "Transform" tool (that's the arrow icon).
Drag the on-screen handles to resize, rotate, or move your mask according to your needs.
When you're happy with the changes, tap the "Transform" tool again to apply them.

Transforming your clipping mask opens up a world of possibilities, like emphasizing a texture or better positioning it within your composition.

Blending Modes

Blending modes are another fantastic way to elevate your clipping masks. These modes dictate how the mask interacts with the layers underneath, allowing you to create eye-catching effects and fine-tune your masterpiece.

To access blending modes, simply tap on the "N" icon next to the layer thumbnail. Some popular blending modes you might want to try include:

Multiply: This mode darkens your clipping mask, making it stand out on lighter areas.
Screen: This mode lightens your clipping mask, making it pop on darker areas.
Overlay: This mode is a mix of Multiply and Screen, adding depth and contrast to your mask.

Experiment with different blending modes to find the perfect match for your artwork. With these editing and adjusting techniques under your belt, let's dive into some advanced tips for using clipping masks in Procreate.

5. Advanced Techniques

Now that you've mastered the basics of clipping masks in Procreate, it's time to explore some advanced techniques. In this section, we'll cover combining multiple clipping masks and creating text effects to further enhance your digital art skills.

Combining Multiple Clipping Masks

Layering multiple clipping masks can add depth and complexity to your compositions. Here's how to do it:

Create a new layer above your base layer (this will be your first clipping mask).
Tap on the new layer and select "Clipping Mask" from the menu.
Add your desired texture or pattern using a brush.
Create another new layer above the first clipping mask layer.
Tap on the new layer and select "Clipping Mask" again. This second clipping mask will also apply to the base layer.
Add a different texture or pattern using a brush.

By combining multiple clipping masks, you can experiment with various textures and patterns, creating unique and dynamic results in your artwork.

Creating Text Effects

Clipping masks are also great for adding eye-catching effects to text in Procreate. Here's how to create text effects using a clipping mask:

Create a new canvas and add a text layer by tapping the "+" icon and selecting "Add Text."
Type your desired text and adjust the font, size, and alignment as needed.
Create a new layer above the text layer.
Tap on the new layer and select "Clipping Mask" from the menu.
Choose a brush and paint over the text to add texture, pattern, or color. The clipping mask will confine the paint to the text boundaries, creating a stunning effect.

Experiment with different brushes, textures, and blending modes to create a wide range of text effects using clipping masks in Procreate. The possibilities are endless!

With these advanced techniques, you're well on your way to mastering how to use clipping masks in Procreate. Remember to practice, explore, and have fun as you unleash your creativity!

If you're looking to enhance your drawing skills and learn how to create realistic fruit illustrations, don't miss the workshop 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will teach you step-by-step techniques to master fruit drawings in ProCreate and elevate your digital artistry.