How to Mask Image in Figma: Simple Steps to Clip Images

To mask an image in Figma, place the image and the shape you want to use as a mask in the same frame or group, then select both and press Ctrl+Alt+M (Windows) or Cmd+Option+M (Mac) to apply the mask. The shape acts as a clipping path, showing only the part of the image inside it.

Syntax

Masking in Figma involves two main elements: the image you want to clip and the shape that defines the visible area. You select both and apply the mask command.

• Image: The picture you want to mask.
• Shape: Any vector shape or frame that acts as the mask boundary.
• Mask command: The shortcut Ctrl+Alt+M (Windows) or Cmd+Option+M (Mac) applies the mask.

figma

Select image and shape -> Press Ctrl+Alt+M (Windows) or Cmd+Option+M (Mac) -> Image is masked by shape

Example

This example shows how to mask a photo with a circle shape to display only the circular part of the image.

text

1. Place an image on the canvas.
2. Draw a circle shape over the image where you want to mask.
3. Select both the image and the circle.
4. Press Ctrl+Alt+M (Windows) or Cmd+Option+M (Mac) to mask.

Result: The image is clipped to the circle shape, showing only the circular area.

Output

The image appears inside the circle shape, with all parts outside the circle hidden.

Common Pitfalls

• Not selecting both the image and the shape before applying the mask will not work.
• Using a shape that is behind the image in the layer order will not mask correctly; the shape must be above or at the same level.
• Trying to mask multiple images with one shape requires grouping or framing them first.
• Mask shapes must be vector shapes or frames; raster images cannot be used as masks.

text

Wrong way:
1. Select only the image.
2. Press mask shortcut.

Right way:
1. Select image and shape.
2. Press mask shortcut.

Quick Reference

Action	Shortcut / Notes
Select image and shape	Click both while holding Shift
Apply mask	Ctrl+Alt+M (Windows) or Cmd+Option+M (Mac)
Release mask	Right-click mask > Release Mask
Use vector shapes	Only vector shapes or frames can mask images
Mask multiple images	Group or frame images before masking

Key Takeaways

Select both the image and the shape before applying the mask.

Use the shortcut Ctrl+Alt+M (Windows) or Cmd+Option+M (Mac) to mask.

Mask shapes must be vector shapes or frames, not images.

Ensure the mask shape is above or at the same layer level as the image.

Group multiple images first if you want to mask them together.