Masking Images

Fireworks is strong when it comes to combining Vector objects with bitmaps. Any object, may it be vector or bitmap can be applied to a bitmap as a mask. A mask shows part of the image and cuts off the parts lying outside of the masked area. The original bitmap however will remain intact.

Vector masks

Any vector object can be applied as a mask. You can create an object and paste it as a mask on to a bitmap.

For example let's use an ellipse to create an elliptical mask for a portrait of Thomas Edison.

What we want to do is to create a vignette that makes it look like an old photographic portrait which we could put into an elliptical frame. We can create an ellipse with the drawing tools. Please make sure you are not in bitmap mode when you draw. Let's draw an ellipse and center it somewhere near his neck. Remember that you can use the ALT key (Macintosh: Option) to create objects from their center point.

	The image is now covered with the ellipse. Next step is to turn the object into a mask. There are several ways to do that, we'll just look at the easiest one. Here's the steps to the process: Cut the object (to the clipboard) Select the bitmap that will be masked Edit > Paste as Mask Done
	Here is our result - it looks good, but we have to make some more adjustments, like we would like to center the mask more around Mr. Edison's face. Look atthe Layers Panel. You can see that there is the original bitmap, a link icon, and the mask.

As long as the link icon is switched on, the bitmap and the masking object will move together. When you click on the link icon you can disable the link. Now you can select the mask and move it independent from the bitmap. This way you can adjust the location of the mask or edit the size. You can use the transformation tool or path tools to change the shape of your vector mask.

I changed the shape of the mask with some of the editing tools.

In addition to that, I added some effects to the masked object. I made an inner bevel which is smooth. Furthermore, I also gave the masked object a drop shadow that makes it "float" over the canvas.

All Fireworks Live-Effects can be used on masked objects. All parts outside of the mask are transparent.