Snagit Learning Center

Snagit 9 Tutorial:

Image Masking

Image masking allows you to create unusual and unique edge effects for your photographs and other graphics. Here are a few examples of how image masking can be used.

About this Project

• Estimated time to complete this tutorial is 15 minutes.
• In order to get a good idea of how image masks work, you can download and try out several Image Mask Stamps free from the TechSmith website.
• This tutorial does not demonstrate how to take a screen capture. To learn how to do this, see the Snagit online help.

What you Need to Get Started

You will need the following to successfully complete this tutorial.

• Snagit 9.0. If you do not have Snagit 9.0, you can download a copy here.
• An image(s) to use to create the mask. Images with small, unusual patterns on them make the best masks. To find these images, Google “Free Background Images”. Or, get started with some free backgrounds you can download from TechSmith.com.
• The image you want to use should be open in Snagit Editor’s Open Captures Tray.

Skill Level: Intermediate

This tutorial is suitable for intermediate users of Snagit. Knowledge of downloading and unzipping a file, using the ribbon tabs, copying and pasting, and saving files within Editor is required.

Let's Get Started: Creating Funky Cutout Stamps

The following section takes you through this tutorial step-by-step. To be successful, do not skip any steps.

This is the image used in this tutorial.

Open a New Canvas

1. While in Editor, press <CTRL + N>.
2. In the New Canvas dialog box, enter Width: 600 and Height: 800.

Drag the Pattern Image to the New Canvas

1. Drag the pattern image to be used from the Tray onto the canvas.
   
2. Right-click the pattern image and select Flatten from the menu.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the entire new canvas is covered. Overlapping can occur and will not hurt the final outcome.
   

Apply the Monochrome Effect

1. In the Image tab, select Modify group > Color Effects button > Monochrome. The Monochrome dialog box appears.
2. Experiment with the slider to find the setting that gives you the best results. The image should have some solid line and lots of white space for the image to show through when it is applied.

Create the Cutout

Now you will create the cutout in the middle of the canvas to create the space where the image will show. All white areas will be transparent in the final mask.

Use a variety of drawing tools to create the white space. Tools might include the freehand pen, lines, arrows, and shapes.

• The tools you use should have the Shadow turned off: In the Draw tab > select Drawing Tools group > (pick a tool) > Effects button > Shadow > No Shadow.
• The tools you use should have Create as Vector option turned off: In the Draw tab > select Drawing Tools group > (pick a tool) > Effects button > Create As Vector. Click on the option to turn it off. When off, no checkmark is present.
• Make sure you select white as the color for the tool: In the Draw tab > select Drawing Tools group > (pick a tool) > Outline button > White.
• To change the width of the tool you are using: In the Draw tab > select Drawing Tools group > (pick a tool) > Outline button > Width option > Select width.

Begin drawing and taking out irregular pieces around the edges about ½ -1 inch inside the border. Your image will look similar to the following.

Swap the Colors

1. In the Draw tab, select Modify group > Color Effect button > Color Substitution option. The Color Substitution dialog box appears.
2. Click Add.
3. Click the Old Color eyedropper button.
4. Click on any black color in the image.
5. Enable the Swap colors option at the bottom of the dialog box. All of the black will become white and the white will become black.
6. Click Close. Your image will look similar to the following image.
   

Apply Transparency and Save File as a GIF

1. In the Image tab, select Modify group > Color Effects button > Transparent Color.
2. If you are prompted to change to 256 colors, choose Yes. The Transparent Color dialog box appears.
   
3. Enable the Use Transparent Color option.
4. Click the Eyedropper tool.
5. Click on the image’s black background.
   Note: Even if black is the default color, you must actually click on the black on the canvas to activate this option.
6. Click Close.
7. Save this image as a GIF file and close it.

Add to Quick Styles Gallery as a Stamp

1. In the Draw tab, select Drawing Tools group > Stamp tool.
2. In the Draw tab, select Styles group > click the More button.
3. At the bottom of the gallery, click Organize Stamps. The Organize Stamps dialog box appears.
4. Click the Add Category button.
5. Enter a name for the new stamp category.
6. Click the Add button.
7. Browse and select the GIF image you just saved.
8. Click Close. The transparent Image Mask stamp will now be available in the Stamp Quick Styles Gallery in the category you created.

Congratulations! You have just learned how to create an image mask.

Variations

Here’s some interesting ways to use your images masks.

Change the Shadow Color

Add White Canvas Space and Align Mask to the Edge

Double Up and Use Color Substitution to Change the Mask Color

Layer Using Different Image Masks

Create Image Masks out of Picture Frame Graphics

Make a Mask From Scratch Using Black and White Shapes

Masks can be used for more than just the edges of your images. For this image, a mask was created using black and white circles and then stamped over the entire image. An accent shadow was used to give the final image some highlights.