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Question

Why is the Pen tool the only one that can draw within a mask, unlike the Pencil and Brush tools?

  • February 15, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 41 views

Devpost Admin

I can’t find a way to use the Pencil and Brush tools within an existing mask. The new layers are not placed within it, even if it’s selected, or if a layer within it is selected.
The Pen tool behaves differently, behaving like you would expect.

1) Is there a way?
2) If there isn’t, please consider this a feature request :p 

Thanks.

1 reply

Clarity Edit

As far as I know, the Pencil and Brush tools don't work the same way as the Pen tool in this case. They draw on the currently selected layer rather than automatically creating a new layer inside the mask/container.

What I usually do is either select a layer that's already inside the mask before drawing, or move the new layer into the mask afterward.

So for your questions:

  1. I don't think there's currently a way to make them automatically add new layers inside the selected mask.

  2. I agree it would be a useful feature. It feels a bit inconsistent when compared to how the Pen tool behaves.

Maybe someone else knows a workaround that I've missed, but that's been my experience so far.