--- title: "Apply Mask to Image in LightBurn: A Comprehensive Guide" description: Learn how to use the Apply Mask to Image tool in LightBurn to hide, crop, or divide images for laser engraving. Explore masking techniques, editing tips, and flattening options. --- [Skip to content](https://support.salasers.com/apply-mask-to-image-lightburn#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Submit a Ticket](https://support.salasers.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![MicrosoftTeams-image.png\]](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/MicrosoftTeams-image.png?height=50&name=MicrosoftTeams-image.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Submit a Ticket](https://support.salasers.com/kb-tickets/new) - Go to salasers.com Go to salasers.com Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [SA Laser Knowledge Base](https://support.salasers.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Tools & Features](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en) 3. [Layout and Design](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#layout-and-design) # Apply Mask to Image in LightBurn: A Comprehensive Guide ## Hide, Crop, and Customize Images for Laser Engraving #### **What is Apply Mask to Image?** The **Apply Mask to Image** tool allows you to hide portions of an image or create complex engraving patterns by masking parts of the image. - **Non-destructive Editing**: Masking hides portions without deleting them, and the hidden parts will not be output to the laser. - **Creative Uses**: Remove backgrounds, isolate subjects, or divide images into unique patterns. --- ### **Location of the Apply Mask Tool** - **Menu**: `Tools → Apply Mask to Image` - **Context Menu**: Right-click the image and select **Apply Mask to Image**. --- ### **How to Apply a Mask to an Image** #### **Requirements for Masking** To apply a mask, you need: 1. **An Image**: The primary object to be masked. 2. **A Vector Object**: The mask shape, which must: - Be on a **Tool** or **Line** layer. - Be a **closed shape** (a path with a single, continuous start and end point). #### **Steps to Apply a Mask** 1. Select the image and the vector object. 2. Go to `Tools → Apply Mask to Image` or right-click and choose **Apply Mask to Image**. ![QuickRef-ApplyMaskToImage](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/QuickRef-ApplyMaskToImage.gif?width=648&height=486&name=QuickRef-ApplyMaskToImage.gif) **Tip**: To permanently crop the image (flatten the mask), select **Crop Image** instead. This action removes the ability to edit or restore the mask later. --- ### **Editing the Mask** #### **Adjusting the Mask** - Use standard editing tools like **Select**, **Edit Nodes**, or **Boolean Tools** to modify the vector object used for masking. - Move, resize, or reshape the mask as needed to reveal or hide different parts of the image. ![Ref-ApplyMaskToImage-Editing](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-ApplyMaskToImage-Editing.gif?width=688&height=516&name=Ref-ApplyMaskToImage-Editing.gif) #### **Grouping for Consistency** Once the mask is finalized, group the vector object and the image to prevent accidental misalignment when moving or editing. --- ### **Removing a Mask (Restoring the Original Image)** 1. **Delete the Vector Mask**: - Select the vector object and press **Backspace/Delete**. 2. **Remove Mask Command**: - Select the image, right-click, and choose **Remove Mask from Image**. ![Ref-ApplyMaskToImage-Deleting](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-ApplyMaskToImage-Deleting.gif?width=688&height=473&name=Ref-ApplyMaskToImage-Deleting.gif) --- ### **Flattening a Mask (Baking the Mask)** #### **What is Flattening?** Flattening permanently removes the hidden parts of a masked image, leaving only the visible portion. This is useful when aligning masked images with other objects. #### **How to Flatten a Mask** 1. Right-click the masked image. 2. Select **Flatten Image Mask**. - The masking shape will be removed, leaving the image cropped to its masked shape. ![Ref-ApplyMaskToImage-GroupingAndFlattening](https://support.salasers.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ref-ApplyMaskToImage-GroupingAndFlattening.gif?width=688&height=535&name=Ref-ApplyMaskToImage-GroupingAndFlattening.gif) --- ### **Practical Tips for Masking** 1. **Creative Cropping**: Use masks to isolate subjects or remove backgrounds for cleaner engravings. 2. **Combine with Wireframe View**: If the vector mask is hidden behind the image, switch to **Wireframe View** or adjust layer order in the **Cuts/Layers Window**. 3. **Temporary vs Permanent**: Use **Apply Mask to Image** for flexible, non-destructive edits. Choose **Crop Image** or **Flatten Image Mask** for permanent adjustments. --- ### **Use Cases for Apply Mask** - **Background Removal**: Isolate subjects like pets or people from photographs. - **Custom Shapes**: Use complex paths or grouped vectors for unique engraving patterns. - **Layer Adjustments**: Quickly hide unwanted portions of an image while preserving flexibility. LightBurn's **Apply Mask to Image** tool provides powerful image customization options, making it an essential tool for laser engraving projects.   - [Lightburn](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Lightburn For Galvo (Fiber)](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en#lightburn-for-galvo-fiber) - [Lightburn For Gantry (Co2,RF)](https://support.salasers.com/lightburn?hsLang=en#lightburn-for-gantry-co2rf) - [Fiber (Galvo) Lasers](https://support.salasers.com/fiber-galvo-lasers?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.salasers.com/fiber-galvo-lasers?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Co2 Lasers](https://support.salasers.com/co2-lasers?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Razor Series](https://support.salasers.com/co2-lasers?hsLang=en#razor-series) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.salasers.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en) - [EzCad 2](https://support.salasers.com/ezcad-2?hsLang=en) - [How-To Guides](https://support.salasers.com/how-to-guides?hsLang=en) - [Explainers](https://support.salasers.com/explainers?hsLang=en) - [Tools & Features](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#main-content) - [User Interface](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#user-interface) - [Essential Functions](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#essential-functions) - [Layout and Design](https://support.salasers.com/tools-features?hsLang=en#layout-and-design) # San Antonio Laser SALasers.com Help Center Copyright © 2026, San Antonio Laser