Designer Feature Suggestion: Inverse Masks

[evnb]

This could be implemented in a script pretty easily but since we don't have scripting yet mi requesting it here

Basically I want to be able to make a mask but instead of the layer only being viewed through the mask, now the layer can be viewed everywhere except the mask, and the layers below can be seen through the mask.

To implement this in a script I'd just make a very large rectangle larger than the artboard, subtract the 'mask' from it, and then apply that as a mask to the desired layer.

I want to specify this request involves an inverse vector mask, not the inverse pixel mask achievable in photo by inverting selection.

Edited March 9, 2024 by evnb

[Yuli]

I second this! An option to inverse a vector mask would be very useful.

[Ldina]

@evnb I'm all for it. In the meantime, here's a possible workaround. Place your "masking object" on a layer above the object you wish to apply the mask to, and set the layer blend mode to Erase, which will achieve the same result. It may not work for every situation, but it's a possible workaround. To limit the Erase Blend Mode effect to specific objects, (so you don't Erase all the way to the bottom of your layer stack), Group them, which will limit Erasure to that Group. See graphic below.

I believe exporting to PDF won't work because as I understand it, the PDF spec doesn't support Erase Blend Mode. 

[walt.farrell]

15 hours ago, Ldina said:

and set the layer blend mode to Erase,

While that may achieve the desired results visually, won't the Erase Blend Mode rasterize any of the affected vector content during Export?

[Ldina]

2 hours ago, walt.farrell said:

While that may achieve the desired results visually, won't the Erase Blend Mode rasterize any of the affected vector content during Export?

Agreed, Erase Blend Mode does result in some rasterization. This is just a workaround for those who need such a visual effect, until (or if) a true vector "inverse mask" becomes available. 

[Yuli]

For anyone looking for a workaround, I solved it by using a compound shape group as mask.

[prince2]

On 11/8/2024 at 2:12 AM, Ldina said:

@evnb I'm all for it. In the meantime, here's a possible workaround. Place your "masking object" on a layer above the object you wish to apply the mask to, and set the layer blend mode to Erase, which will achieve the same result. It may not work for every situation, but it's a possible workaround. To limit the Erase Blend Mode effect to specific objects, (so you don't Erase all the way to the bottom of your layer stack), Group them, which will limit Erasure to that Group. See graphic below.

I believe exporting to PDF won't work because as I understand it, the PDF spec doesn't support Erase Blend Mode. 

it also isn't very intuitive