Layer Masks in Affinity Designer

Today you will learn how to use layer masks in Affinity Designer. Layer masks are a flexible way of editing specific areas of your images. This can be hiding part of an image, using adjustments or even blending images together. In this tutorial we will show you how to use raster masks and adjustment layer masks.

For the examples in this tutorial we are using photos of delicious desserts and this honey bee svg bundle. You are welcome to browse through our awesome selection of food and drink photos for other options.

If you prefer to work in the Designer Persona, then check out our tutorial on using clipping masks in Affinity Designer.

Step 1 - Create a Raster Mask

Traditionally, masking involves concealing or revealing parts of an image. In Affinity Designer, that works a little differently with the Pixel Persona.

Add White Rectangle to the Image

First, open your image in Affinity Designer. Next, while in the Designer Persona, use the Rectangle Shape tool to add a white rectangle over the image. Then, click on the Pixel Persona top left.

Create a New Mask

Make sure that the Rectangle layer is still selected. At the bottom of the Layers Panel, click on the Mask Layer icon. This will create a child layer beneath the Rectangle layer. Now, click on the Brush Tool on the left hand side.

Change the Brush Style

On the top right of the screen you will see the Brushes Panel. If you don’t see the panel, go to View > Studio > Brushes to open the panel. Click on the Brushes Panel to open. Then click on the drop down menu just below that and choose Masking.

In the Masking Brush category, scroll down to Brush 128.

Remove Parts of the Mask

In Affinity Designer’s Pixel Persona, the white and black colors for masking work in a different way to other programs. You can find the white and black colors under the Color Panel top right.

When using black, you will remove part of the mask and reveal the image beneath.

When using white, you are effectively painting back the mask and concealing the image beneath.

Make sure that the Mask layer is selected. At the top right, click on the black circle. Then, adjust the brush settings in the top left toolbar.

We used the following brush settings.

Brush size: 400 px

Opacity: 100%

Flow: 91%

Hardness: 100%

Now “paint” over the mask to reveal parts of the image beneath.

Conceal Areas of Mask

Switch over to the white color by clicking on the white circle top right. Once again, “paint’ over areas of the mask to hide parts of the image.

Edit Opacity of the Mask

You can change the opacity of the brush so you have a more subtle application. Adjusting brush opacity gives full control over revealing or concealing selected areas.

Here we changed the Opacity to 50% and used black to reveal areas of the image. The lower opacity gave a vintage feel to the edges.

You can also edit the opacity of the entire mask at once. At the top of the Layers Panel on the right, click on the Opacity drop down menu and adjust the slider. Alternatively, type in the amount. We adjusted the overall opacity to 75%.

Use Gray Color for Lighter Effect

You are not stuck with just using black or white. You can even use various levels of Gray from the Swatches Panel. The strength of the Gray will determine how light or heavy the effect will be. This can be used as an alternative to the Opacity option.

Step 2 - Use Adjustment Layers as a Mask

The great thing about working with Adjustment layers is that each one comes with a mask. These masks can be adjusted so that selected areas are edited. This is a non-destructive way of editing.

Add a Curves Adjustment Layer

Open your image in Affinity Designer and make sure to switch over to Pixel Persona. At the bottom of the Layers Panel, click on the Adjustments icon and select Curves. A new Curves Adjustment layer will be placed beneath the image as a child layer.

Adjust Curves Adjustment Layer

Adjust the Curves layer as needed. We created a matte effect by changing the black and white points. You can refer to the image below for a visual if you want to create the same effect. To move the points, click + drag to reposition.

Edit the Adjustment Layer Mask

Select the Paint Brush and change the brush type under the Brush Panel. We used a Basic brush and chose number 512. We also changed the Brush size to 4000 px and the Flow to 25%.

Be sure that the black color is selected then start “painting” the center of the image. The center of the mask will be removed revealing the original image beneath. We left the edges with a matte look.

Using Adjustment Layers as masks gives you more flexibility over your designs. Now, let’s see how this works with a vector image in the Designer Persona.

Step 3 - Use Adjustment Layers with Vectors

Open the SVG design that you want to use in Affinity Designer. This time, make sure you are in the Designer Persona.

Add a Gradient to SVG

Go to the Layers Panel and click on one of the layers to select. We are going to change the word “kind” by first adding a Gradient.

Apply Curves Adjustment Layer

With the layer still selected, click on the Adjustments icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel. Select the Curves Adjustment and make your edits. As you can see, only the selected layer is affected.

Each part of the design can be selectively adjusted to fit your project needs. This way, you have full control over how the design looks.

There you go, now you know how to work with layer masks in Affinity Designer. Layer masks are a powerful and essential tool for designers who need a more controlled workflow. We hope that you have enjoyed this tutorial and can use what you have learned in your future designs.