Masking and Clipping in Figma

Key Concepts

• Masking
• Clipping

Masking

Masking in Figma allows you to hide parts of an element based on the shape of another element. This is particularly useful for creating complex shapes or revealing specific areas of an image. To mask an element, you need to select both the element to be masked and the mask shape, then use the "Mask" option in the context menu.

Example: Imagine you are creating a poster with a circular cutout for a profile picture. You can use a circle shape as the mask to reveal only the circular portion of the image, hiding the rest. This technique is often used in user interfaces to create visually appealing designs.

Clipping

Clipping in Figma is similar to masking but with a key difference: it only affects the visibility of the element being clipped, not the mask shape itself. Clipping is useful when you want to maintain the original shape of the mask while hiding parts of the clipped element. To clip an element, select the element and the clipping shape, then use the "Clip Content" option in the context menu.

Example: Consider designing a mobile app icon that has a rounded rectangle background with a logo in the center. You can use a rounded rectangle as the clipping shape to ensure the logo fits perfectly within the rounded corners, hiding any parts of the logo that extend beyond the shape.

Using Masking and Clipping Together

Combining masking and clipping can create sophisticated designs with intricate shapes and layouts. For instance, you can use masking to reveal specific parts of an image and then apply clipping to ensure that the revealed parts fit perfectly within a defined shape. This technique is invaluable for creating polished and professional designs.

Example: Think of designing a promotional banner for a product launch. You can use masking to reveal only the product image within a custom-shaped frame and then apply clipping to ensure the frame's edges are clean and sharp. This approach ensures that the design is both visually appealing and cohesive.