Feature update: clipping masks

Available now in Sketchbook Pro 9.1 on macOS and Windows
Coming soon to the Premium Bundle on Android and iOS!

One of the most frequent requests we’ve heard has been “please add clipping masks to Sketchbook”. So we have!

Clipping masks are a way to blend and manage the content of your canvas across different layers more easily. They are flexible, allowing you to alter the visible results such as experimenting with texture or color without making more permanent changes to your art.

When a clipping mask is enabled on a layer, that layer will reference the contents of the layer below it (the base layer) to define what is visible and what is "clipped" or hidden.

Layers without a clipping mask

The same layers with a clipping mask enabled

You can stack multiple clipping masks above a single base layer, and moving layers around in the stack will appropriately change/move the effects of the mask, without you changing a single pixel on the layers.

Learn how to use clipping masks from a pro

Monika Zagrobelna is a highly talented freelance artist who also posts amazing tutorials on drawing techniques and tips.

She’s created a detailed tutorial covering the ins and outs of using clipping masks that we highly recommend. Find it on her website here: Clipping Masks Tutorial.

While you’re there, check out her How to Draw tutorial category for a treasure trove of approachable and insightful content (personal favorite: How to Start a Drawing).

Tiger Cub, © Monika Zagrobelna

What about Sketchbook on mobile? 🤨

Of course clipping masks will be available on mobile as well! The work is underway and will come in the 6.1 update. If you would like to be part of the beta testing program, please email us at beta@sketchbook.com. Clipping masks will be part of the Premium Bundle in-app purchase.

If you already have the Premium Bundle, this feature will automatically be added with the update.