Masking and Clipping in Figma
Key Concepts
Masking and clipping are powerful techniques in Figma that allow you to control the visibility and shape of design elements. These features are essential for creating complex and visually appealing designs.
1. Masking
Masking in Figma involves using one layer to hide or reveal parts of another layer. The mask layer acts as a stencil, determining which parts of the masked layer are visible. This technique is useful for creating irregular shapes, complex patterns, and selective visibility effects.
To create a mask, select the layer you want to mask and the mask layer. Then, right-click and choose "Use as Mask." The mask layer will now control the visibility of the masked layer, revealing only the areas where the mask layer is opaque.
2. Clipping
Clipping in Figma is similar to masking but with a key difference: the clipped layer is constrained by the shape of the clipping layer. The clipping layer acts as a boundary, hiding any parts of the clipped layer that extend beyond it. This technique is useful for creating clean, contained designs.
To create a clipping, select the layer you want to clip and the clipping layer. Then, right-click and choose "Use as Clip Path." The clipped layer will now be constrained by the shape of the clipping layer, hiding any parts that extend beyond its boundaries.
Examples and Analogies
Masking
Imagine you're designing a logo that includes a circular shape with a gradient background. By using a circular mask, you can ensure that the gradient only appears within the circle, creating a clean and polished look. The mask acts as a stencil, revealing only the parts of the gradient that fall within the circle's boundaries.
Clipping
Consider a scenario where you're designing a card with a rounded corner. By using a clipping path, you can ensure that the card's content, such as text and images, is contained within the rounded shape. The clipping path acts as a boundary, hiding any parts of the content that extend beyond the rounded corners, resulting in a cohesive and visually appealing design.
By mastering masking and clipping in Figma, you can create more complex and visually engaging designs, enhancing the overall user experience.