Elena Rossi
Paint Tool SAI is a lightweight Japanese digital painting program that is popular among artists due to its simplicity and range of tools. In Paint Tool SAI, you can create clipping masks to confine whatever you are drawing on your new, clipped layer to the content of the layer beneath it. To create a clipping mask, you first need to create a new layer. Next, while you still have your blank Shading layer as your active layer, Ctrl-click the image of your colour layer. If done correctly, the 'marching ants' will appear around the area that is your colour layer. Once you have that selected, click the symbol that looks like a grey box with a white circle in it – this is the Mask button. Now, click on the box next to the Mask box (the blank layer box) to work in it. Finally, draw on the Masked layer – it will only affect the assigned area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To shade images, create patterns in small areas, or experiment with other effects |
| Layer order | Clipping mask layer should be placed between Lineart layer and Colour layer |
| Active layer | Blank Shading layer |
| Selection | Ctrl + click image on the colour layer to select the desired area |
| Confirmation | Marching ants appear around the selected area |
| Activation | Click the Mask button (grey box with a white circle) |
| Indication | A new box appears next to the Shading layer |
| Working | Click the box next to the Mask box (blank layer box) to work in it |
| Drawing | Use the Pen tool to colour in shadows |
| Layer masking | Hide parts of a layer by painting on the mask with black |
| Restoration | Paint over black parts with white to restore the masked area |
| Layer creation | Create a new layer using the Layer Panel |
| Layer masking creation | Create a new layer and select the Mask layer option |
| Clipping Group | Paint strokes inside the painted area of the layer beneath |
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What You'll Learn
How to create a new layer
Paint Tool SAI is a Japanese digital painting program that is popular among artists due to its simplicity and wide range of tools. To create a new layer, you can follow these steps:
- Access the Layer Panel: In Paint Tool SAI, the Layer Panel is located on the left side of the interface. This panel allows you to create new layers, merge layers, clear and delete layers, and work with layer masks.
- Click on the "New Layer" option: The "New Layer" option creates a typical new layer in your project. If you want to create a new layer specifically for linework, you can select the "New Linework Layer" option, which provides you with vector tools.
- Position the new layer: Depending on your desired effect, you can place the new layer above or below the existing layers. For example, if you want to create a clipping mask, you would create a new layer above the layer with the content you want to clip to.
- Adjust layer settings (optional): You can modify various settings for your new layer, such as the layer composition mode, opacity, and clipping group. These adjustments can be made through the Layer Panel or the Quick Bar at the top of the interface.
- Start working on the new layer: Once the new layer is created and positioned, you can begin drawing, painting, or adding elements to it. Remember that the content of this layer will interact with the layers below it based on the settings you've chosen.
By following these steps, you can create a new layer in Paint Tool SAI, allowing you to add complexity and depth to your digital artwork.
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Ctrl-clicking the image of your colour layer
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process:
- Create a New Layer: Start by creating a new layer specifically for shading. This layer should be sandwiched between your Lineart layer and Colour layer.
- Select the Shading Layer: Click on the new Shading layer to make it the active layer. This ensures that any subsequent actions are applied to this layer.
- Ctrl-Click the Colour Layer: While your Shading layer is still active, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the image of your colour layer. This step is crucial and may seem a bit tricky at first.
- Marching Ants Selection: If you've executed the Ctrl-click correctly, you'll notice "marching ants" appearing around the area of your colour layer. This selection indicates that you've successfully targeted the area you want to work on.
- Activate the Mask: Once you have the selection, click on the symbol that resembles a grey box with a white circle. This is the Mask button. A new box will appear next to your Shading layer.
- Work Within the Masked Area: At this point, you can start drawing or shading within the masked area. Any changes made will only affect the selected area, leaving the rest of the image untouched.
The Ctrl-click function in Paint Tool SAI is a powerful tool that enables you to make precise selections and apply effects or edits to specific areas of your artwork. It's an essential technique for creating clipping masks and achieving controlled shading or colouring effects without affecting the entire layer.
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Clicking the mask button
To begin creating a clipping mask, you first need to set up your layers. Ensure you have your colour layers ready, and then create a new layer specifically for shading. This new layer should be placed between your Lineart layer and Colour layer.
Once you have your layers prepared, the next step is to select your colour layer. To do this, use the Ctrl key and click on the image of your colour layer. If successful, you should see "marching ants" appear around the border of your colour layer. This indicates that you have successfully selected this layer.
Now, with your colour layer selected, it's time to click the mask button. The mask button is identified by a symbol resembling a grey box with a white circle inside it. Clicking this button will activate the mask function, creating a new box next to your shading layer.
After clicking the mask button, you will be able to work within the masked area. It's important to click on the box next to the Mask box (the blank layer box) to ensure you're working within the designated area. By doing so, you will only affect the assigned area within the mask when drawing or shading.
With the mask set up, you can now proceed with your shading or colour adjustments. This process allows you to make changes within the masked area without affecting the rest of your image. You can experiment with different shading techniques, such as using the Pen tool to colour in shadows.
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Drawing on the masked layer
To draw on the masked layer, make sure you have your blank shading layer as your active layer. Then, click on the box next to the Mask box (the blank layer box) to work in it. This will ensure that you only affect the assigned area. If you don't click on this box, you will alter the area the mask affects.
You can now draw on the masked layer. For example, you can use the Pen tool to colour in shadows. If you want to hide parts of the layer, paint on the mask itself with black. To bring back what you masked out, simply paint over the black parts with white.
Another way to create a similar effect is by using the Clipping Group function. First, create Layer B directly above Layer A. Then, paint your shading on Layer B and change the mode to multiply. Finally, select 'Clipping Group', and your shading will only show up on the layer beneath it.
The Preserve Opacity setting is also useful when working with layers. This setting locks all lines and fills of a layer, ensuring that you always paint inside the lines.
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Using layer masks to hide parts of a layer
Paint Tool SAI is a popular digital painting program, favoured by artists for its simplicity and wide range of tools. One such tool is the layer mask, which enables users to hide parts of a layer.
To create a clipping mask in Paint Tool SAI, start by creating a new layer. This should be placed between your Lineart layer and Colour layer. Next, while your new layer is still active, hold 'Ctrl' and click the image of your colour layer. If successful, you should see 'marching ants' appear around the area of your colour layer. Once this is selected, click the Mask button, which looks like a grey box with a white circle in it. You should now see a new box next to your Shading layer.
Click on the box next to the Mask box (the blank layer box) to work in it. If you don't do this, you will alter the area the Mask affects. You can check that you're working on the correct layer by looking under the eye symbol; if it has changed from a grey box with a circle to a pen/brush, you're all set. With this enabled, if you draw on the Masked layer, it will only affect the assigned area.
Layer masks enable you to hide parts of a layer by painting on the mask itself with black. To bring back what you've masked out, simply paint over the black parts with white. It's important to note that layer masking doesn't work in SAI 1.0, but it does in SAI 2.0.
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