How to edit pixel mask with Levels?

[rawalanche]

I have a simple pixel layer on top of an image layer. Small portion of the pixel layer is masked out by a pixel mask, which I have created by making a lasso selection and then clicking a mask button in the layer panel.

I am unable to figure out how to do something as basic as editing the mask with the levels.

Here's an example of the situation:

The text bubble has the spike masked out by the mask. I want the tip of the spike to not be completely transparent, but slightly opaque to appear as if it originates from behind the glass. Obvious, logic solution is offset the black color of the mask layer to not be completely black, but to be just darker gray. Right now it's black:

No matter what I try, Affinity won't let me edit the mask directly using any layer effect, such as levels.

 

[firstdefence]

Create a new mask and paint with a grey not a full black, or with black selected change the brushes opacity to less than 100%

[Dan C]

Hi @rawalanche,

It's possible to use Levels Adjustments to edit your mask, however this requires a specific setup in Affinity.

Please 'unclip' the mask from your pixel layer and place this above in the layers stack, then group the mask with the pixel layer.

Create the Levels adjustment, then drag and drop this layer over the thumbnail of the mask layer.

Open the Levels adjustment and change the dropdown menu from 'Master' to 'Alpha', you should now find the 'Output Black Level' slider affects your mask directly -

I hope this helps

[rawalanche]

1 hour ago, Dan C said:

Hi @rawalanche,

It's possible to use Levels Adjustments to edit your mask, however this requires a specific setup in Affinity.

Please 'unclip' the mask from your pixel layer and place this above in the layers stack, then group the mask with the pixel layer.

Create the Levels adjustment, then drag and drop this layer over the thumbnail of the mask layer.

Open the Levels adjustment and change the dropdown menu from 'Master' to 'Alpha', you should now find the 'Output Black Level' slider affects your mask directly -

I hope this helps

Ah, thanks.

I suspected the workflow would be clumsy, and it indeed is, but at least it works.

[Lisbon]

4 hours ago, rawalanche said:

I want the tip of the spike to not be completely transparent, but slightly opaque to appear as if it originates from behind the glass.

With the mask selected:

Edit > Fill (Shift+F5)

The Grey slider will control the opacity.