User Guide

Chapter 7: Sprite Technology
To set an object’s transparency scope:
1. Select a vector object.
2. Select a Scope option in the Properties bar or Transparency palette:
To apply transparency effects to the entire object: Select Fill & Stroke.
To apply transparency effects to the object’s fill ink only: Select Fill.
Transparency masks
Transparency masks let you create complex transparency effects. You can use transparency masks
with vector, paint, text, and group objects.
Channel masks and vector masks are the two types of transparency masks available. You can apply
either mask type to vector, text, paint, and group objects.
An object can have only one mask, but it can have a mask along with other effects such as
opacity and transfer mode.
Channel mask: Creates transparency based on a grayscale image. A channel mask is part
of an object, the same way an image channel is part of a paint object. You can use painting
tools and image-editing techniques in a channel mask.
Vector mask: Creates transparency based on a vector gradient or the colors of a vector
object. Vector masks can produce gradual transparency changes the same way that gradient
inks produce gradual color changes. You can drag a tool to create radial, linear, elliptical,
and rectangular vector masks, or you can use an object as a vector mask.
Changing the transparency preview
When you edit paint objects or channel masks, Canvas previews transparency effects according to a
preference setting. You can temporarily change the preview when you are in channel mask edit
mode.
When you edit a channel mask with no preview, a checkerboard pattern lets you focus on the
transparent object. The checkerboard hides objects behind the transparent object, while showing
the transparent areas in the object you are editing.
In Total Preview mode, Canvas shows objects that are in front and in back of a paint object
or channel mask you are editing.
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