Combine Masks

Capture One 16.7.0 introduces new functionality that lets you combine multiple masks to make precise, flexible selections in seconds. Use Add, Subtract, or Intersect creates one combined group that counts as a single layer. Dynamic masks like Linear Gradient, Radial Gradient, and Luma Range stay dynamic. Combined masks work in Styles with noted limits, and copy smoothly between images with smart repositioning and recalculation.

Contents

• Add masks
• Subtract masks
• Intersect masks
• Using combined masks in Styles
• Additional Information

Overview

Combining masks lets you merge different mask types—Subject, Background, People, Brush, Magic Brush, Linear Gradient, Radial Gradient, AI Select, and Luma Range—into a single, editable group.

• Each combined group counts as one layer.
• Linear Gradient, Radial Gradient, and Luma Range remain dynamic after combining.
• Combined masks are supported in Styles with specific exceptions listed below.
• When copying between images, interactive masks retain relative position; other masks are recalculated for the target image.
• Submasks can also be renamed just like regular Layers
• The Set as Default button has also been removed, and your selections are now remembered automatically.

Add masks

What it does: Merges selected masks so the final mask covers all included areas.

Step-by-step

1. Open the Layers & Masks Tool and select the layer you want to edit.
2. Click Combine Mask and choose Add. Alternatively, right-click the layer, then choose Add.
3. Create or select the additional mask you want to include (for example, Radial Gradient or Luma Range).
4. Repeat as needed to include more masks; the group still counts as one layer.

Example: Add a Luma Range mask to a Linear Gradient mask to include brighter areas of the image, like sky.

Subtract masks

What it does: Removes the chosen mask area from your current mask—perfect for excluding subjects, areas, or tonal ranges.

Step-by-step

1. Open the Layers & Masks Tool and select the layer you want to remove a mask area from.
2. Click Combine Masks > Subtract.
3. Create or select the mask to remove (for example, an AI Select subject or a Linear Gradient).
4. Confirm the subtraction; the removed area is excluded from the combined mask.

Example: Subtract a Clothes mask from the Subject mask to focus specifically on skin tone. 

Intersect masks

What it does: Keeps only the overlapping area between masks—ideal for targeting a gradient to specific tones or a subject’s highlights.

Step-by-step

1. Open the Layers & Masks Tool and select the layer containing your first mask.
2. Click Combine Masks > Intersect.
3. Create or select the second mask to intersect with (for example, a Luma Range over a Linear Gradient).
4. Only the overlapping region remains as the final combined mask.

Example: Intersect a Linear Gradient with a Background mask to darken or color grade only the background area without affecting your subject.

Using combined masks in Styles

• You can save combined masks in a Style.
• When a Style includes combined masks based on AI Select or the regular Brush, those underlying masks are replaced with empty masks on apply.
• All other mask types are included and applied in the best approximated position.

Copying combined masks between images

• Linear Gradient, Radial Gradient, AI Select, and Brush masks are applied in their original position relative to the aspect ratio.
• All other masks are recalculated based on the content of the target image.

Additional Information

• Each combined group counts as a single layer, regardless of how many masks are inside.
• You can only combine or exclude masks on a single layer.
• Dynamic masks—Linear Gradient, Radial Gradient, and Luma Range—remain dynamic after combining.
• When a Style contains combined masks derived from AI Select or Brush, those specific masks will be empty on apply.
• Positioning and recalculation behavior may vary with significant changes to crop or aspect ratio.
• You can add keyboard shortcuts for each command and type of mask to be added, subtracted or intersected.

• Luma Range can be modified after the fact.