Apple numbers User Manual

 Working with Shapes, Graphics, and Other Objects

 

You can use a shape to define the boundaries of an image. 

Select the image and choose Format > “Mask with Shape” > shape.

You can also Shift-click to select a shape and an image, and then click Mask in the 
toolbar (or choose Format > “Mask with Selected Shape”).

Drag the image to position the part you want to show. To move the mask, click the 
dotted edge of the mask and drag it.

To resize the image, drag the slider above the Edit Mask button.

To resize the mask, drag the selection handles.

To make only the area under the mask visible, double-click the mask or image, press 
Return, click outside the image, or click Edit Mask. 

To resize the masked image, click Edit Mask and drag the selection handles.

To deselect the image and hide the mask controls, click outside the image.

To modify a masked image, double-click it.

Note:  If you use a shape containing text as a mask, the text is deleted. To restore the 
text, choose Edit > “Undo Mask with Shape.” 

You can also drag an image to mask a shape with an image.

You can remove a mask and restore the original image.

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Select the masked image, and then choose Format > Unmask.

The Alpha tool enables you to convert certain colors in an image to transparent. This 
feature is useful for removing an unwanted background or other colors. 

You’ll get the best results removing solid colors with clear boundaries around them. To 
remove areas that are less distinct, select a smaller area and repeat the process.

Select the image.

Choose Format > Instant Alpha.