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Leverage Mask by Alpha to paint nuanced, intensity-based masks that drive precise sculpting, surface effects, extractions, and clean polygroups.
- Prepare
- Subdivide to a comfortable resolution so masks capture subtle gradients.
- Enable Transform > Activate Symmetry if you need mirrored masking.
- Choose a neutral MatCap to clearly read mask falloff.
- Enter mask-paint mode
- Hold Ctrl to switch to masking brushes (MaskPen, MaskLasso, etc.).
- Pick an Alpha from the Alpha palette; grayscale values become mask strength.
- Set Stroke to DragRect (or DragDot) to stamp the alpha exactly where needed.
- Control mask density with the Z Intensity slider while holding Ctrl; pen pressure further modulates intensity.
- Tune the alpha for perfect falloff
- Alpha > Adjust: remap black/white levels to tighten or soften gradients.
- Alpha > MidValue: shift the midpoint to favor light or dark areas.
- Use Roll with directional strokes for patterned repeats along curves.
- Refine the mask quickly
- Blur: Ctrl+click on the model to soften transitions.
- Sharpen: Ctrl+Alt+click on the model to crisp edges.
- Invert: Ctrl+click on empty canvas.
- Clear: Ctrl+drag on empty canvas.
- Tool > Masking > Grow/Shrink to nudge borders by one-pixel steps.
- From images and textures
- Project a photo with Spotlight to Polypaint, then Tool > Masking > Mask By Intensity to convert brightness into a mask—excellent for logos, panels, and lacework.
- Alternatively stamp an Alpha directly with DragRect for single-pass precision without polypaint.
- Hard-surface and organic best practices
- Enable Brush > Auto Masking > BackfaceMask to avoid bleeding on thin shells.
- For crisp panels: stamp the alpha, sharpen, then use Deformation > Polish By Features with the mask protected.
- For skin/scales: prefer soft alphas, lower Z Intensity, and light blurs to keep natural transitions.
- Turn masks into production assets
- Tool > Polygroups > Group Masked for clean UV and retopo control.
- Tool > SubTool > Extract to create garments, pads, or trims with your alpha’s falloff defining thickness borders.
- Tool > Masking > Create Alpha to save a re-usable stamp from a mask you refined on-surface.
- Troubleshooting
- Jagged edges? Subdivide once more or sharpen after a light blur for anti-aliased borders.
- Uneven strength? Normalize in Alpha > Adjust, and verify Z Intensity isn’t too low.
- Artifacts on the back side? Confirm BackfaceMask is enabled for masking brushes.
Pro tip: Layer your workflow—stamp broad shapes with a soft alpha at low intensity, sharpen selectively, then overlay a second pass with a sharper alpha for panel lines or micro-greebles. This stacks readable forms and fine detail without fighting your mask edges.
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