Typemasking

Typemasking is a technique used in computer graphics and digital art to selectively reveal or conceal parts of an image or texture based on a specific pattern or shape. This pattern, known as the mask, acts like a stencil. Where the mask is opaque, the underlying image or texture is visible, and where the mask is transparent, the image is hidden or replaced by a background color or another element.

The concept of typemasking is often associated with typography, where text itself can be used as the mask. In this application, the letters or words form the stencil, allowing an image or pattern to be displayed only within the boundaries of the text characters. This creates visually interesting effects where the text appears to be filled with a photograph, gradient, or abstract design.

Beyond text, typemasking can utilize any defined shape or graphic. This allows artists and designers to precisely control the visibility of elements, create complex layered compositions, and achieve specific visual aesthetics. For example, a silhouette of an object could be used to mask a texture, revealing the texture only within the outline of the silhouette. The implementation of typemasking can vary across different software and platforms, but the core principle of using a mask to control visibility remains consistent. It is a versatile tool for artistic expression and design.