Masks | Understanding the Different Types of Masks for a 2D Product

Masks | Understanding the Different Types of Masks for a 2D Product

There are several types of masks that can be applied to a 2D Product within the platforms product configuration settings. Masks serve to either: control the product personalisation visually, affect the output that the system generates, or BOTH. All masks should be PNG format, with solid black as the mask area and transparency in the background.

Aspect Mask
As per the standard 2D Product creation process, the Aspect Mask will be the first mask that you upload to the platform. It works it tandem with the uploaded Aspect preview and defines the potential visible personalisation area based on that image. Therefore, the Mask should be the same size as the uploaded Aspect image.
Aspect Masks DO NOT affect the output files that the system generates - they purely affect the on-screen preview within the App, as seen by the end user.
By default, any configured Colour Areas will use the Aspect Mask to apply colours to the product on screen.
Important Note: In certain cases, it may be necessary to upload masks with semi-transparency to alter the visual presentation of the product. Essentially, using a semi transparent mask will make personalisation appear semi transparent in the preview.

Print Masks (Print Area Mask)
By default, the artwork files generated by the system are rectangular. Print Masks allow you to directly alter the shape of the output file.
A Print Mask ONLY affects the output file that the system generates - therefore it has no impact on the 2D Product in the on-screen preview.
As the Print Mask gets applied directly to the output file, it has to match the specified Print Area dimensions to 300dpi.

Custom Mask (Image Area Mask)
A Custom Mask serves to affect both the on-screen preview and the output file that the system generates for uploaded Images.
Custom masks must be set RELATIVELY (with matching Aspect Ratio) to the defined Image Area. 


Colour Area Mask
By default, Colour Areas get linked to a Aspect and thus, the Aspect Mask controls where any added colours will be applied. Colour Area Masks allow you to define specific areas on the product that can change colour, regardless of the Aspect Mask, thus giving greater flexibility and control.

Colour Area Masks must match the size of the or Aspect Mask.
If enabled within the Print Area, Colour Area information will affect the output generated by the system, as well as the on screen preview. Note that it is advisable to scale your colour area mask to the equivalent of 300dpi to avoid pixellation in the output.
It is possible to create multiple Colour Areas per Aspect, and control each with Colour Area Masks. It should be noted that any Colour Areas that have Masks that occupy the same space will not function as expected.
Important Note: Creating multiple Colour Area masks can negatively impact on performance. 

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