About Masks; About Vector Masks - MACROMEDIA FIREWORKS 8-USING FIREWORKS Use Manual

About masks

You can create a mask object from either a vector object (a vector mask) or a bitmap object (a
bitmap mask). You can also use multiple objects or grouped objects to create a mask.

About vector masks

If you have used other vector-illustration applications such as Macromedia FreeHand, you
may be familiar with vector masks, which are sometimes called clipping paths or paste insides.
The vector mask object crops or clips the underlying objects to the shape of its path, creating
a cookie-cutter effect.
A vector mask applied using its path outline
When you create a vector mask, a mask thumbnail with a pen icon appears in the Layers panel
to indicate you've created a vector mask.
A vector mask thumbnail in the Layers panel
When a vector mask is selected, the Property inspector displays information about how the
mask is applied. The bottom half of the Property inspector displays additional properties that
allow you to edit the mask object's stroke and fill.
Vector mask properties in the Property inspector
By default, vector masks are applied using their path outline, but you can also apply them in
other ways. For more information, see "Changing the way masks are applied" on page 227.
Masking images 211