User Guide

Canvas 12 User Guide
When you detach a channel mask, Canvas converts the channel mask to a paint object and places it in
the document. The paint object includes the alpha channels from the masked object if it had alpha
channels.
Vector masks
A vector mask creates a transparency effect based on a style of gradient ink, such as radial or
rectangular. You can choose the style when you apply a vector mask, or you can apply an existing
vector object as a vector mask.
A vector mask can be applied to any type of objects, including vector, paint, text, and group objects.
It’s easy to apply vector masks. You can drag a vector transparency tool to apply radial, directional,
elliptical, or rectangular style masks. If you want to use precise values for position and transparency
levels, you can enter numbers in the Transparency palette. You can apply a mask quickly by selecting
an object and choosing Object | SpriteLayers and selecting a vector mask style in the submenu.
Vector mask styles
(Left to right) Radial, Directional, Rectangular, Elliptical
The styles of vector masks applied by the Vector Transparency tools are related to vector gradient
styles. You can think of these tools as applying a hidden gradient to a masked object. The
transparency effect is based on the hidden gradient; the transparency level is relative to the
lightness of the gradient shading.
For example, a linear vector gradient blends colors along a straight axis. A directional vector mask
fades from opaque to transparent along a linear axis. For linear vector gradients and directional
vector masks, you can specify the length and angle of the axis.
The relationship between vector gradients and vector transparency masks can be seen if you detach
a vector transparency mask. With a masked object selected, choose Object | SpriteLayers | Detach
Mask. Canvas removes the vector mask and places it in the document as a separate vector object. If
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