Path vs Mask

Hey all... this may just be symantecs or terminology, but why does anyone use masks? Doesnt creating a path layer with the pen tool away from the actual object layer allow you to do everything and anything with that path area? I.e., if you CNTRL+Click on that path layer, it will highlight the path area, and then you can go to any image layer you want and do whatever you want, from cropping, inverse cropping, create a layer of any color and opacity, or edit whatever is within that path area in any way PS allows you to...
So in other words, is masking just another way to achieve the same result, or is there something the "mask" feature allows that what I mentioned above cannot do? Personally it kinda annoys me for the masking process to highlight areas while I am pathing, but maybe I am not even on the right track here, dunno... any elucidation would be awesome, because for some reason I "hear" more about masking than simple pathing and go.

In addition to the above comments, where some confusion could be creeping in is that Selections and Paths can usually be converted to the other.
Masks are basically Selections and appear as Channels. They can be applied in several ways, with Layer Masks and Clipping Masks being mentioned already.
From a Path, one can convert that into a Selection (in the case of most Paths), and those Selections can be turned into Masks of various types.
A Mask can usually be Loaded as a Selection, and then that can be converted into a Path.
Masks can be easily painted onto, effectively painting IN, or painting OUT the Mask. A Path can really only be Filled or Stroked, and the pixels that make up the Fill, or Stroke will need to be on a Layer. They can be painted onto, but the Path, itself, cannot.
As Selections can be converted to a Path, where file size is an issue, one can convert that Selection to a Path, then Save the file, after removing the Selection, which would be saved as a Channel and occupy the full Image Size.
Paths are mathematically defined, while a Mask (or a Selection) will be pixel-based. Paths are infinitely editable, but the editing of a Selection, or a Mask is a bit more limited, and remember, they are pixel-based. Most of my Masks start out as Paths, and then become Selections (where I might do more work to refine), and then become Masks.
With but a few easy steps, each can be converted to the other, so there can be confusion. The Help Files cover each in detail, with examples of each one's use, and also the possible conversions. I would pour over those files, and conremplate the similarities but mainly the differences.
Each has its own uses, and knowing those will benefit you, in almost everything that you do in PS, so time to learn each, inside and out, will not be a waste of time.
Good luck,
Hunt

Similar Messages

Path to mask using JS

How can I convert a path to a mask using JS ? 98% of my images contains a path and would like to convert the selected path to a mask.
Thanks in advance

Yes I can... I already making a selection of the appropriate path... That's the one I would like to convert to a mask using JS.
As for the background, that is no problem either...
The thing is sometime my script crashes due to various things. I presently make the selection of a path then invert the selection and delete everthing not needed. Then I export in vaious formats.
Instead of deleting I would like to mask it.
I have 6000+ images to export.

__How do I 'reverse' a clipping path/vector mask?

I created the path, but for some reason it's 'reversed' or 'inverted' from what I want - is there any way to change it so the spinach is cropped properly?
Thanks

Yeah, you're not going to see any of the path options in the upper tool bar, unless you have one of the path/selection tools (including the pen tool) selected in the toolbar on the left side of screen.
If you are using an older version you may not see a drop down menu like C.pfaffenbichler is showing it could be icons like so.

Fitting Content to Frame to a Path or Mask

We have been asked by a customer to try and achieve the following:
They have a number of eps's of a flat screen TV's. For each TV, there is a path around the outside. We will call this Path 1. There is a second path around the screen of the TV. We will call this Path 2.
Is there a way of placing another image, and fitting content to frame (just like in Indesign), using Path 2 as the bounding box?
We are using both CS3 and CS4.

Mark, while Scripts may not be necessary they can add a level of convenience unattainable with Actions.
As concerns the PAID HELP, the Photoshop Scripting Forum has a couple regulars who, while they may offer their services professionally, still give their advice freely; but in case Adam has no Scripting-experience his needs, should he choose to try a Scripting-solution, might exceed »advice«.
Having only recently started to appreciate and utilize the capabilities of JavaScript for Photoshop myself I may appear overzealous in advocating it, but everybody will have to decide for themselves if they want to give it a try.
With possibly hundreds of images I wouldnt want to rely on the screens (or their paths) to all have the same diameter and a Script can allow for that with transforming the placed image according to the height or width so as to always fill the area completely (thus clipping at the top/bottom or left/right depending on the relation).
And (though too complicated for myself) it would be possible to let Photoshop work off folders and not get stuck by the occasional file that doesnt conform to the naming conventions or lacks a path by ignoring it and documenting unedited files at the end.
Thats always assuming that the photographs of the tv-sets are fairly frontal, because if they are in perspective then the matter gets much more complicated, but what with the allusion to doing it in Indesign I concluded perspectival transformation isnt required anyway.

Want to select path or mask

if file have path named "Path 1"
i want selection from that path
else if there is no path please check channel named "Alpha 1" is there i want selection from that channel
please help me

That will learn me to be lazy and copy/paste/edit in the browser window…
var doc = app.activeDocument;
if ( doc.pathItems.length > 0 ) {
          doc.pathItems[0].makeSelection( 0, true, SelectionType.REPLACE );
          doc.pathItems[0].deselect();
} else {
          try {
                    doc.selection.load( doc.channels.getByName('Alpha 1'), SelectionType.REPLACE, false );
          } catch(e) {}
Would have thought you could have sorted that mistake thou…

Stroked paths / masks

Is it possible to stroke a path or mask shape in EdgeAnimate?
I'd like to animate a rope moving, but it only requires a single color. Do I need to create a sprite sheet for this? or can I create a path, and stroke it with color?
alt: I may look into using SVG sequenced elements from Illustrator. can svg files be used like a sprite page?

Hi, Ko-
Non-canvas HTML is limited to rectangular masks, unfortunately. You can do sprite sheets using SVGs and clipping, but you should definitely check to see what the file size is and optimize as much as you can. Also, SVGs are not always served properly by webservers, so you should make sure that your server is configured to serve SVGs as image files.
Hope this helps to point you in the right direction, and welcome to the Animate forum!
-Elaine

How to retrieve "KeyValue" from multiple Shape paths then "SetValue" to Mask path Keyframes?

Hello AEScriptsComm.,..
i have one question (hopefully the tutorer will answer soon), which is the goal and reason i'm learning ExtendScripts:
I have a few dozen Adobe Illustrator, imported Shape Layers with paths "Created..from Vector Layers" in AEffects.
In order to use a .jsxbin script to change every path to the same number of verticies for animating, i must 1st convert them to Keyframes on the same Mask Path property.
1) i hoped to please be shown\sent an example showing how to,..
a) Get\Retrieve "KeyValue" from multiple, single (Shape Layers):Outlines > Contents > Group > Path > Path as shown in screenshot "4-CreateShapeFromVecLyr2Outlines.JPG",
and then,..
b) "SetValue" from those paths into Mask > Mask Path keyframes also in screenshot "1-ExtendScript_ShapePathsTOMaskPathKeyframes.JPG"?
Really appreciate any help soon as time allows,
Jeff

Hello Xavier,
esp. with my limited experience i can't determine how your concise script works.
Because it 1st errors esp. with undefines i'm thinking at best its incomplete (or algorithm) to give me the gist and i'm to fill in the blanks, which i am doing with the sort of working code example pasted below.
Its written with every definition, declaration and initialization completed, so a novice like me can read the manuals, rev. eng. pertinant script(s), then with fragmented code and understanding quickly connecting to form a complete custom script, as we've all done.
like this:
var comp = app.project.activeItem:
var layer = comp.layers.addSolid([1,1,1,], layerName, comp.width, comp.height, 1.0, comp,duration);
therefore,..
var CompLayerSolid = app.project.activeItem.layers.addSolid([1,1,1,], layerName, comp.width, comp.height, 1.0, comp,duration);
..then with such direct access in other essentials, i can substitute compatible properties, methods, parameters etc. and remaining code that affect the layer objects i need to control simultaneously. Also thereby learning more complex code quickly enough to use.
Only, i hoped to save time here by those already familiar.
But by comparison your script without declarations or many references in AE's CS6 Scripting Guide and online, i can't decipher or understand,
although you wrote this more complete segment at CCow:
"shapeLayer.content.addProperty("ADBE Vector Graphic - Fill");",
..in which is the addProperty i 1st looked for in your script after erroring with "ShapeLayer is undefined"
But i could'nt find a ref. to either .content or content. anywhere in ExtendScript, nor "targetLayer.mask", and "targetLayer" i found once in ref. to ExtendScript as an AE layer name. So perhaps their your variables?, you see i can't determine or use.
i don't know that was'nt meant, maybe a bit to tell me do my own research?, no offence, can't confirm that without reply, hope you will, but my research is why i'm here and your probably advanced script could only help with your assistance.
Thanks anyway,
Cheers.
function()
var comp = app.project.activeItem;
var masksLayer = comp.selectedLayers[0];
var masksGroup = masksLayer.property("ADBE Mask Parade");
app.beginUndoGroup(rd_MasksToShapesData.scriptName);
// Create an empty shape lay
// Get the mask layer's pixel aspect; if layer has no source, use comp's pixel aspect
var pixelAspect = (masksLayer.source != null) ? masksLayer.source.pixelAspect : 1.0; //copixelAspect;
// Iterate over the masks layer's masks, converting their paths to shape paths
var mask, maskPath, vertices;
for (var m=1; m<=masksGroup.numProperties; m++)
var suffix = " Shapes";
var shapeLayer = comp.layers.addShape();
shapeLayer.name = masksLayer.name.substr(0,31-suffix.length) + suffix;
shapeLayer.moveBefore(masksLayer);
var shapeLayerContents = shapeLayer.property("ADBE Root Vectors Group");
var shapeGroup = shapeLayerContents; //.addProperty("ADBE Vector Group");
//shapeGroup.name = "Masks";
var shapePathGroup, shapePath, shapePathData;
// Get mask info
mask = masksGroup.property(m);
maskPath = mask.property("ADBE Mask Shape");
// Create new shape path using mask info
shapePathGroup = shapeGroup.addProperty("ADBE Vector Shape - Group");
shapePathGroup.name = mask.name;
shapePath = shapePathGroup.property("ADBE Vector Shape");
shapePathData = new Shape();
// ...adjust mask vertices (x axis) by pixel aspect
vertices = new Array();
for (var v=0; v<maskPath.value.vertices.length; v++){
vertices[vertices.length] = [maskPath.value.vertices[v][0] * pixelAspect, maskPath.value.vertices[v][1]];
shapePathData.vertices = vertices;
shapePathData.inTangents = maskPath.value.inTangents;
shapePathData.outTangents = maskPath.value.outTangents;
shapePathData.closed = maskPath.value.closed;
shapePath.setValue(shapePathData);
shapeLayer.transform.anchorPoint.setValue(masksLayer.transform.anchorPoint.value);
shapeLayer.transform.position.setValue(masksLayer.transform.position.value);
shapeLayer.transform.scale.setValue(masksLayer.transform.scale.value);
if (masksLayer.threeDLayer)
shapeLayer.threeDLayer = true;
shapeLayer.transform.xRotation.setValue(masksLayer.transform.xRotation.value);
shapeLayer.transform.yRotation.setValue(masksLayer.transform.yRotation.value);
shapeLayer.transform.zRotation.setValue(masksLayer.transform.zRotation.value);
shapeLayer.transform.orientation.setValue(masksLayer.transform.orientation.value);
else
shapeLayer.transform.rotation.setValue(masksLayer.transform.rotation.value);
shapeLayer.transform.opacity.setValue(masksLayer.transform.opacity.value);
// Match the mask layer's transfor
// Mute the mask layer
masksLayer.enabled = false;
app.endUndoGroup();

Mask one path within a shape layer

Hi I'm having trouble which something which is probably extremely basic..
I've brought in a comp from Illustrator, created shapes from Vector Layers and now I am attempting to mask 1 path within the Shape Layer.
When I attempt to mask the path it masks the whole layer... Can anybody help me with this?
Cheers in advance,
Shaun
Ae CS6

Apply a Merge oprator and draw your path within the shape group. Otherwise duplicate the layer, delete the other items and use a mask. Several ways to go about this...
Mylenium

Clipping Path vs Alpha Channel

Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but wondering which is better for outlined images (no soft transitions, just hard outline.)
I've used both and don't see an advantage to either EXCEPT when converting an InDesign file to PDF. Files with PSDs with clipping paths seem to make much larger pdfs than same file using PSD with alpha channel. Not important for a final press file, but when I have to email screen proofs, then it's a big deal.
Anyone care to weigh in? Thanks.
Ringo

Hi, there,
I found this discussion during a search for alpha channels vs. clipping paths for clipping (for a job I'm working on), and thought I'd offer my own feedback based on my own experiences w/ similar files. I can't really offer a printer perspective, however, although we do work closely with many and also print film fairly regularly for local printers who are not yet Direct-To-Plate.
For what it's worth, I use paths, myself, and save the file as a TIFF. Then I use the Object: Clipping Path menu in InDesign to select the path (I don't specifically designate a path as an actual clipping path in Photoshop anymore, as sometimes an image will have more than one path to isolate different elements).
I find that alpha channels don't look very good when used in InDesign. They're just not that smooth/precise, in my admittedly limited use.
I've uploaded a quick sample to http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr222/Xiebinrui/Alpha_vs_Clipping.jpg -- it's pretty self-explanatory, but the left side shows the bottom of an image using an alpha channel created from the original clipping path (cmd-click on the path to create a selection and then click the "create channel" button in the Channels tab, which automatically creates an "Alpha 1" channel), with the original clipped version on the right. I've tried adjusting the threshold and tolerance in InDesign, but it just always looks bad.
I also haven't used the behemoth Photoshop EPS format since my QuarkXPress/Mac OS 9 days (even then, it eventually became possible to use TIFFs w/ clipping paths -- I could finally see my photo correctly instead of with the horrible Quark EPS preview).
Anyway, re: alpha channels, maybe it's just that I don't know the right way to use them, but they don't seem to be very smooth when importing into InDesign (I was working on a job yesterday and today for which I had to download hi-res images from the client -- many of which used alpha channels instead of actual paths, but they're used on white backgrounds in InDesign, so I just didn't use the channels).
So, anyway, I personally use and recommend paths (vector masks, as Artdirectorringo mentioned, seem to work fine, too) as opposed to standard pixel-based alpha channels, in general, if you're going to be placing the file into InDesign.

Can Illustrator CS mask layers without grouping them?

Windows XP Pro SP2
Intel Pentium 4 CPU 3.60GHz
2.75GB RAM
I draw a lot of complex maps using Illustrator 8 in preference to higher versions. I customarily use a top layer clipping path to mask out the edges and "crop" the image.
The advantage of Illustrator 8 is that the clipped artwork still rests on its respective layers, allowing me to turn on/turn off whichever layers I desire, while still maintaining the mask.
As far as I can tell, later versions automatically group (and thus place on the top layer) all items that are masked by the clipping path, meaning that my map layers no longer exist, and the map has lost its funtionality.
I've been using version 8 for years despite having access to CS but now my company is losing 8 and moving over exclusively to CS. I can't figure out an effective way to maintain the same layer functionality in masked artwork in Illustrator CS.
The mass of nested layers and sub-layers for each and every object has me lost. It seems over complicated but doesn't offer me anything I can use, instead removing the ability to do what I used to do.
Is there any way I can still mask my artwork and maintain ungrouped layer functionality in Illustrator CS?

Any object on a parent layer can mask child layers. Here I selected the topmost path and chose Make Clipping mask from the Layers flyout menu. Masked items remain on their own child layers. If I use the Selection tool (black arrow) and click on a tree, only the tree is selected.
The interface is surprisingly buggy, even for Illustrator. If it's not working, try Cutting and Pasting in front to get Illustrator to figure out it can use the path for a mask.

Can't get clipping paths to work in PhotoShop CS5?

I have been working with PS since ver 1. I have always used clipping paths to mask out areas without a hitch. Now, in CS5, it no longer works.
I have read in the forums that I need to have the Pen tool - in the options area set to "Exclude Overlapping Path Areas. Still does not work. Okay, what am I doing wrong?
Thank you

Please post a screenshot of a file with the Paths Panel and Options Bar visible.

Is it possible to apply path styles to live paint objects or clipping paths?

Hey everybody! I tried searching for the answer online, but couldn't find what I was looking for...
I want to create an illustration with black outlines. Within these outlines I want to have some spots without outlines that stay clean within the lines. I have tried 3 options so far and have found a solution but it's far from ideal.
1. Create clipping masks for each element that has a spot on it and assign a stroke to the clipping path again after. However by creating the clipping path, the path styles dissapear. In this case I want to keep the pointed ends to the open path outlines (see top image).
2. Draw in the lines where the spots are and create a live paint object of the entire illustration. Then paint in the spots and other areas. However when I create this live paint object the lines again lose their applied styles and even 'end' at each intersection, creating nasty edges where the lines should go 'underneath' smoothly (see bottom image).
3. The option Im using now. Duplicate the path outlines and create clipping masks for the spots without strokes. Then put the stroked outline with the desired styles on top. The problem with this is that I have almost twice as much elements in my illustration now than I actually 'need'. And the styled outlines are not connected with the color underneath, so its very easy to accidentally move something around...
Does anybody know of an easier way to create this effect without all the hassle? Thanks in advance for you time!

I drew the dark beige shape by pasting a copy in front of the black stroke with light ebige fill. Used the pencil tool to redraw the bottom edge. Then fixed the leaks byusng a blending mode of darken.
I try to keep my illustrations simple using the fewest paths possible, to make future edits easy. Live paint creates a mess, so never use it as I like to control my compound paths and masks.

3D Path Layer Question - Pls Help

To get you up to speed, I have a large composition with all elements set up as 3D layers. These layers are all in different positions/depths within the comp.
I have a complicated camera animation in place to move about the individual objects. What I'm trying to do is create a path that will in-turn be a 3D layer and would like to be able to select individual points of that path and adjust the z depth accordingly.
I need it to snake it's way in and out of this pre-existing 3D comp.
The idea is to use Trapcode's 3D stroke to animate the line moving along, however once I make the path into a 3D object, I can't seem to edit the individual points depth.
Is this even possible? Is there another method with AfterEffects I can try.
Like I said, I've already got the elments and camera move plotted, I need to plot a path in space around these elements.
ANY input is greatly appreciated as I've been at this all day and I initially thought it would be something simple.
Thanks to all.

You're throwing different unrelated things in the same pot. 3D Stroke operates on masks, not paths. Masks are aalways tied to the layer and since AE layers have no dimensionality, always stay flat. Hence what you wanna do is not possible with the method you chose. If you want a stroke in 3D, you'd have to create a genuine 3D path with a 3D Null object or light, then have a 3D particle system like Particular render the trail by defining the 3D layer as the emitter.
Mylenium

Transforming Layers and Paths at the same time

Hi
Does anyone know how I can transform(scale,perspective,distort,etc.) a layer and a path at the same time?
Thanks

1. Draw your path
2. Make it a vector mask linked to the layer you want to transform (Make layer active, then Layer>Vector Mask>Current Path)
3. Hide the path (command-H)
4. Command-T
5. Command-H again to make the path (vector mask) visible
6. Do your transform

The Application Takes long time to Start

Hello All,
We ar eon Unix->64 Bit-> Essbase 11.1.1.3.
Problem Description : The application is taking long to start up. around 5 to 6 minutes. This is very first time it is happening.
There were no specific changes done to the application in the recent releases.
I have tried all options 1. Compacating outline, 2. Purging the application log etc. all other applications respond good on this host except this. Usually any application should not take more than 1 to 2 minutes to start up.
There are no specific errors or XCP files recorded in the logs and folders.
Appreciate your suggestions
MS

Thanks Jitendra and Prabhas,
I know i have posted this thread sometime back and later I had to jump on a New release, so did not get time to check your inputs.
Well I am back on this issue again. I have been working on various option to get this issues solved " start of App takes long time"
Here are some Details. We are on SunOs 64 Bit, has 12CU with dual core, with Essbase 11.1.1.3 running on it. This is an ASO application and has just 7 dimensions, Out of which the ORGANIZATION Dimension is pretty huge with Multiple Hierarchies enabled ( Both Stored and Dynamic ) and has more than 20,00,000 members including the alternate hierarchies ( Shared members)
I did a smoke test by building dimension by dimension the app was startiung up in just *40* seconds. and when i reached the ORG dimension and added more than 70,000 memebrs . there i fall sick. the app now gets back to its old issue ( Takes more than 10 mainutes to start).
CPU Usage ranges between 3.1 % to 4 %
PID USER NLWP PRI NI VSZ RSS S STIME ELAPSED %CPU COMMAND
4424 user1 1 59 20 1608 1032 S 18:13:33 00:00 0.0 grep COMMAND
4428 user1 1 59 20 1608 1032 S 18:13:33 00:00 0.0 grep ESS
4766 user1 88 55 20 6814168 5684200 O 17:37:48 35:45 3.1 /path/xyz/masked/ASO_APP hgfedc NOCREAT.
But My question here is, in the last moth cube i still similar number of members in the cube and nothing really had changed.
Essbase GURU's Please give me some Hint to think out of box now.
Thanks
MS

Path vs Mask

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