Mask an image with a shape using right-click
Last updated: September 8, 2026 · 2 min read
Combine an existing photo with a shape or pen drawing.
Mask image turns the selected photo into the selected frame’s image fill. It uses the photo’s placement on the page and hides the area outside the frame.
Follow these steps
- 1
Position the photo and frame
EditorCanvas
Place the frame around the part of the photo you want to show. Either object can be above the other in the layer order.
- 2
Select both objects
EditorCanvas
Click the image, then hold Shift and click the shape or path to add it to the selection. Alternatively, with the selection tool active, drag from an empty area of the page or the surrounding workspace to draw a selection box around both objects. Check that only the image and shape are selected.
- 3
Create the mask
EditorRight-clickMask image
Right-click the selection and choose Mask image. The photo becomes the shape or path’s fill and is no longer listed as an independent object.
Shortcut: Ctrl+Cmd+M on macOS; Ctrl+Alt+M on Windows and Linux. Leave text editing before using the shortcut.
- 4
Check the visible area
PropertiesCrop
If the subject is not visible, use Crop to move or resize the image, then select Apply. For accessible publishing, review the masked object’s description separately; do not assume the original photo’s alternative text was transferred.
Controls and behavior
A reference for the controls used in this lesson.
| Control | Where | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Mask image | Editor | Combines one image and one shape or path into a masked object. |
| Undo | Editor | Reverses the masking operation and restores the previous objects. |
| Crop | Properties | Opens the placement controls for the image inside the mask. |
Result
One masked object is selected on the page. The photo appears within the frame; the hidden area is not deleted from the image file.
Troubleshooting
- Mask image is missing
- The selection must contain exactly one image and one shape or path. Unlock both objects and finish any active crop or editing operation. A line or two images cannot form this pair.
- The photo disappears after masking
- The frame may not overlap the photo. Use Crop to move the image into the frame, or undo and reposition the two objects.