(NOTE: If the mask file has a .msk extender, PI5 will not "see" the file when you try to open it. You have two options,
One is to type *.msk in the "open file window" and the other, which is the easiest, is to drag it from your Explorer
and drop it into PI.) If you have PI6, you can add the .msk to the extensions in your file preferences.
1. Open the mask in PhotoImpact
2. From the menu, select Selection\All
3. Right-click\Convert To Object
4. Drag mask to Easy Palette Image Library
(You might want to create a new category for your masks in Easy Palette).
To use:
1. Open the image you want to mask (make sure it's in RGB True Color 24-bit)
2. Click the small blue mask icon on lower right of PI screen
3. Open Easy Palette, find the mask you want to use. Drag it from the Easy Palette and drop over your image.
Use the Transform tool to adjust the size. The masks are usually much larger than the image. You can also
rotate the mask if needed.
4. When you are happy with the mask alignment, Click the small blue mask icon to turn the masking off.
Your image will now have a visible selection.
5. From the menu, select Edit\Crop. Your image will now be surrounded by the mask you selected.
Final note: the area surrounding your image after you crop will be the same color as your selected background
color. If you prefer, for example, a black mask effect, change your background color to black before cropping.
