Using the Masking feature or the "clipping"

[CaroleA]

In digital scrapbooking, one can often find "masks", which are typically PNG shapes.

I know that I can have the mask above my photo and use Mask to Below to make the photo show through the mask.

I know I can also place the mask below my photo and slide my photo onto the "mask" shape.

The result seems to be the same for displaying the photo.

Are those two methods as useful as each other or are there pros and cons of using those methods?

[Brian_J]

This video provides information about the differences between masking and clipping.

 

[CaroleA]

Thanks. In my case (in digital scrapbooking), I don't need adjustments and such. The mask is just to display the photo in a specific shape. So my understanding is that they would be giving the same result, correct? I also tested and I can add shadows either way.

[Brian_J]

15 minutes ago, CaroleA said:

Thanks. In my case (in digital scrapbooking), I don't need adjustments and such. The mask is just to display the photo in a specific shape. So my understanding is that they would be giving the same result, correct? I also tested and I can add shadows either way.

Yeah, it sounds like masking and clipping will produce the same result in your situation. I’d say go with whichever you prefer.

You may want to consider how you are positioning objects. If the mask shapes are aligned to a grid layout or have a fairly static size and position, it may be easier to use clipping — the clipping objects can be positioned where they need to be and the photos can easily be moved or resized within the clipping objects.

If you use a mask, Lock Children must be enabled in order to move the photo without moving the mask.

[CaroleA]

Yes, that is what I found out. In one case the "mask" can be moved/modified, in the other case, the photo can be moved/modified.

Thanks for those details.