Creating and editing vector masks
A vector mask creates a sharp-edged shape on a layer and is useful any time you want to add a design element with clean, defined edges. Once you create a layer with a vector mask, you can apply one or more layer styles to it, edit them if needed, and instantly have a usable button, panel, or other Web design element.
To add a vector mask that shows or hides the entire layer (Photoshop):
- In the Layers palette, select the layer to which you want to add a vector mask.
- Do one of the following:
- To create a vector mask that reveals the entire layer, choose Layer > Add Vector Mask > Reveal All.
- To create a vector mask that hides the entire layer, choose Layer > Add Vector Mask > Hide All.
To add a vector mask that shows the contents of a shape (Photoshop):
- In the Layers palette, select the layer to which to add a vector mask.
- Select a path or use one of the shape or pen tools to draw a work path. For more information, see Creating a work path (Photoshop).
- Choose Layer > Add Vector Mask > Current Path.
To edit a vector mask (Photoshop):
Click the vector mask thumbnail in the Layers palette or the thumbnail in the Paths palette. Then change the shape using the shape and pen tools.
To remove a vector mask:
- Drag the vector mask thumbnail to the Trash button
. - (Photoshop) Select the layer with the vector mask you want to delete, and choose Layer > Delete Vector Mask.
Do one of the following in the Layers palette:
To disable or enable a vector mask:
- Shift-click the vector mask thumbnail in the Layers palette.
- (Photoshop) Select the layer with the vector mask you want to disable or enable, and choose Layer > Disable Vector Mask or Layer > Enable Vector Mask.
Do one of the following:
A red X appears over the mask thumbnail in the Layers palette when the mask is disabled, and the layer's content appears without masking effects.
To convert a vector mask to a layer mask (Photoshop):
Select the layer with the vector mask you want to convert, and choose Layer > Rasterize > Vector Mask.
Important: Once you rasterize a vector mask, it cannot be changed back into a vector object.