How to Make Vector Masks

Use desktop publishing software to create vector masks.

Creating a vector mask with a desktop publishing software package will allow you to isolate and manipulate part an image. Once isolated, it can be enhanced and manipulated. For intricate designs, a vector mask can be used on a particular layer of an image. Layers of various images can be combined to create images that are versatile and more dynamic than images that have not been manipulated.

Things You'll Need

• Desktop publishing software

Instructions

1. Navigate to the "layers" menu of your desktop publishing software and select a particular layer of the image to work with.

2. Draw a work path around the image with a shape or pen tool. Start at one point of the image with the tool and draw a path around the image and back to the starting point. Be sure to close the path.

3. Navigate to "Choose layer," "Add vector mask" and the "Current path" to make your path into a vector mask.

4. Manipulate the image as desired and save your work.

References

• Adobe: About Layer and Vector Masks