Shape-Level Effects
Beyond fills and strokes, additional effects can be applied to the shape as a whole.
Blur
A blur applied to the entire element as a post-compositing effect.
Gaussian Blur
The standard diffuse blur. The Radius parameter controls spread (0 = no blur, larger = more blur).
Directional / Motion Blur
Blur along a specific axis.
- •Angle — the direction of the blur (0° = horizontal)
- •Distance — how far the blur extends along the angle direction
Radial Blur
Blur that radiates outward from a center point, simulating zoom or radial spin.
- •Center X / Y — the origin of the radial effect
- •Strength — how far the blur extends
Zoom Blur
Similar to Radial but creates a perspective-zoom effect (stronger near edges, converging to center).
Clip Path (Mask)
A clip path restricts the visible area of a shape to the outline of another shape or group.
Setting a Clip Path
- 1.Place the clip shape on top of the shape to be clipped in the layer stack
- 2.Select both (or the clip shape and the target group)
- 3.Choose Layer → Create Clip Path
The clip shape defines the visible region; the target is visible only within that region.
Clip paths can be animated. Animating the clip shape's position, scale, or form produces reveal and wipe animation effects.
Alpha Mask
Distinct from a clip path — an alpha mask uses the luminosity or alpha of one layer to control the transparency of another, enabling feathered edges, soft transitions, and gradient-driven reveals.
Setting up an Alpha Mask
- 1.Create the mask layer (a gradient or texture shape acts as a soft mask; a solid shape acts like a clip path)
- 2.Position the mask layer directly above the target layer in the stack
- 3.Select the target layer and set its Mask Mode to "Alpha\" or \"Luminance"
Mask Modes
- •Alpha mode — the mask layer's alpha channel directly controls the target\'s transparency.
- •Luminance mode — the mask layer's brightness controls the target\'s transparency. White = fully visible, black = fully transparent, grays = proportional transparency.