How to Use Clipping Mask in Procreate

A clipping mask is a mask applied to several layers. The bottom layer defines the rest of the layers. Depending upon what is in your layers, each layer will be affected differently.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to use the Clipping Mask function in Procreate.We will be using text and a design. You will learn how to use the Clipping Mask function with each element.

Before getting started, make sure you have already added your fonts to Procreate.

Step 1 - Type out your text

I have used the Sunkissed font for this tutorial.

Once typed, you can click anywhere on the screen for the tab to disappear and deselect your text.

Step 2 - Resize your text  

Resize your image by making sure the “cursor” is highlighted in blue. Then drag your text from the corner to resize. Once done resizing, select the “cursor” again todeselect it.

There are different ways of using aclipping mask.With text and with designs is what we will focus on in this tutorial. Let's first start with using Clipping Masks and text.

Use a Clipping Mask with text 

Step 1 - Create a new layer

Do this by selecting the layers image in the top right corner. Here you select the Plus (+)sign to add another layer.

Step 2 - Select clipping mask 

Select the new layer and tap the layer to see your options. Here you should see an option for a clipping mask. Select the clipping mask option. You will see a downward arrow on that layer.

Step 3 - Select clipping mask layer and draw 

Select the clipping mask layer and proceed to draw in that layer with your selected brush and color. This will allow you to only draw on the lines or design of the bottom layer underneath all of the clipping masks.

You can add as many layers as you would like and make them clipping mask layers. They will all affect the bottom layer underneath all of the clipping masks. Here I am using the Procreate Brush “Alcohol Ink.”

You can add a new layer, and you will see that it's still clipping to the font layer because of the small downwards arrow on the layer.

Use clipping masks with designs

Step 1- Select the "wrench"

Step 2- Insert a file 

Select "Add" then click "insert file".

Step 3- Select your file

Here we will be using the pattern from Font Bundles called "Patriotic Papers." We will insert a stars pattern into our text. Select your file and select the digital pattern you would like to use.

Step 4- Resize your image 

Your pattern should already be selected when it is added to your layer. Drag the edges to cover your entire text.

Deselect the image by selecting the selector tool in the top left corner that looks like an arrow.

Step 5- Make it a clipping mask 

Select the layers option in the top right corner.Select the pattern layer and then click clipping mask.

Your pattern is now clipping to the layer beneath it.

Remember clipping masks can be used with text or any kind of shape/drawing.

Next up, learn how to align objects and how to drawdrop shadow lettering in Procreate.