Cropping or Masking a bitmap

You can also use bitmap masking to create specific shapes, or to cut out just a part of the bitmap, using masking.

To mask a bitmap

Method 1:

This does not need a separate mask.

1. Select the bitmap

2. Choose Convert to Editable Shapes from the Arrange menu.

3. Edit the new shape as you would a normal shape.

This is an easy method for simple cropping.

Method 2:

1. Import the bitmap into Xara LX.

2. Choose the Freehand & Brush Tool.

3. Create a mask by carefully draw around the area to be masked. End the line over the start to form a shape
.

4. Select the bitmap and the mask.

5. From the Combine Shapes submenu on the Arrange menu, choose Intersect Shapes.

This method is slightly more complex but has the advantage you crop a bitmap to any irregular shape.

Tip

You can also create masks using the QuickShape, Ellipse, Rectangle, Pen and Shape Editor Tools.

Note: you cannot use Xara Picture Editor on a bitmap once you have masked it.

With both methods, the bitmap becomes a simple editable shape with a bitmap fill
applied. You can then edit the object like any other shape. For example by using the Freehand & Brush Tool. See Redrawing part of a line or shape for more details.

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