Use of Opacity Masks- Illustrator Tutorials

Use of Opacity Masks

This tutorial will help you to know the various uses of opacity masks.

Create highlights

Here we are going to create a shape having highlights using an opacity mask.

What is an opacity mask?

Opacity mask is used to mask off an area of an object and selectively allow visibility to whatever is underneath. Opacity is the measure of see-through an object is. The more opaque the object is the less see-through it will have. So, adding a mask means you are only allowing some light to pass through. It can be used to create a realistic light effect. It is said that light defines the shape of an object by reflecting off it. You can use the opacity mask in illustrator to create such an effect.

 Starting from a base shape

Let us start with a base shape. Here I have used a circle having a simple gradient and stroke.

 

Use of Opacity Masks

 


Now we need to create a highlight. You can either use the pathfinder panel or the pen tool to create this effect.

 

Use of Opacity Masks

 


Create a new layer. Copy the highlighted shape. Fill it with a black and white gradient. Apply the Opacity Mask. Now you can see through the white portion but the black portion will be masked. Here, the light source is coming from the top left.

 

Use of Opacity Masks

 

 

Making the opacity mask

Creating the opacity mask

Select the highlight and the gradient layers. Go to the Transparency Panel (Window > Transparency). In the right-hand corner at the top there is a flyout menu. From it choose Create Opacity Mask.

 

Use of Opacity Masks

 


That’s it. This is a way you can create light effects in illustrator.

 

Use of Opacity Masks

 

 

Final Image

 

Use of Opacity Masks

 

Don't miss out on this limited time offer!

Amazing illustration sale

Hire an Illustrator for Children's Books
Hire an illustrator from £59.00 £120.00
Hire an illustrator for your next project and receive custom-made, high-quality illustrations from our experienced team. We offer a wide range of illustration styles, from Book to Technical, and guarantee 100% unique artwork with a money-back guarantee. You'll also own all copyrights to the final artwork. If you need to hire an artist for more than 40 hours, please contact us for a special price.
Children's Book Illustration Services
Sample Book Illustration Services £25.00 £90.00
Looking to self-publish your book but don't know where to start? Try our Sample Illustration service for just £30 (was £90) and bring your characters and vision to life. If you love our quality and professionalism, sign up for our full children's book publishing package. Take advantage of this limited time offer and see what we can do for you!
Custom Tattoo Design Service
Custom Personalised Tattoo Design Service from £59.00 £120.00
Custom personalized tattoo design! Our experienced artists can help you create a tattoo that is as unique as you are. Our team of experts will collaborate with you to design artwork that expresses your personality, style, and vision. Fuel your self-expression and get inked today!
Educational Icon Design
Custom icon illustration service from £19.00 £40.00
Our icon illustration service provides 100% unique, custom-made icons to enhance the user experience of your digital products. Expertly crafted, our icons are perfect for use in logos, games, e-Learning, websites, apps, software, branding, and advertising. With unlimited revisions to the artwork and a first proof delivered within 2 working days, we guarantee your satisfaction.  If you need more than 10 icon designs, please contact us for a special price. Our price starts from £5
Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay SOFORT Visa