If you're anything like me, when you first started using Procreate there were so many words and lingo you were just so confused about. For me, it was Alpha Lock and Clipping Mask. I was seeing TikToks about why one was better than the other, but I had absolutely no idea what each one was. I researched a lot and realize that both have their perks. Read on to learn why both work in their own way.
Alpha Lock
In technical terms, Alpha Lock lets you essentially lock a layer's transparency. What this means is with the alpha lock on, you can draw on top of what is already drawn on that layer, and it will stay within the lines. This can be especially helpful when you need to work quickly. Here is a good link to a Q&A someone had about alpha lock.
I use alpha lock when I need to quickly add some lines or texture to something, but that really is it. There is one downside, and it is that you cannot erase or edit what you have added over the top of your original drawing. If you erase, you will erase the whole layer, including the original drawing.
Clipping Mask
Clipping Mask is definitely my preferred way of adding things to my drawings and keeping them inside of the lines. If you are familiar with Photoshop, a clipping mask is the exact same thing. What it does is it clips whatever you add to the layer to the one below it. It takes a tiny bit more time to set up, but because you can edit what you add without erasing the whole drawing.
As you can see in these images, there is no way for me to change the colors I used on top of the "hello", but I can edit what I put on top of "hi".
Setting Up Alpha Lock
The set up is super easy and quick.
1) Select the Layers Icon (icon left of the color circle)
2) Tap on the preview of your layer (or you can use 2 fingers and swipe the layer towards the right side of your screen)
3) select "alpha lock"
A gray and black grid will come up under your drawing once it is on, and that's it! Very easy setup.
Setting Up a Clipping Mask
This setup is easy as well but just has one more step.
1) Select the Layers Icon
2) Select the plus sign on the right side of the layers tab, ensuring that your new layer is directly above the layer you want to clip
3) Tap on the preview of the new layer
4) Select "Clipping mask"
Now we know the basics of Alpha Lock and clipping mask. Here is a more in-depth article from Procreate about the clipping mask and Alpha Lock It saves so much time to know these simple steps to really amplify your art work. If you found this to be helpful, feel free to leave a comment!
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