Layer masks and clipping

Selections and alpha lock

A selection restricts the area affected by an operation. Alpha lock preserves the active layer’s transparency, allowing its existing pixels to be recolored without extending the painted area.

Layer masks

A layer mask controls which parts of a layer are visible. White reveals, black hides, and gray produces partial visibility. Editing the mask does not erase the layer’s pixels.

Clipping

A clipped layer uses the transparency of the base layer to limit its visibility. Shading and texture remain on a separate layer. Changes to the base shape also change the visible area of the clipped layers.