Use the Highlight effect to turn a drawing's area lighter to simulate a light source. To produce the highlight effect, you must draw a shape to control where the highlight will appear on the original drawing.

The Highlight effect uses a matte to determine the shape and position of the highlight on another element and can blur the edges to create a softer effect. Use the Highlight editor to control the type and amount of blur, as well as the colour of the highlight effect.

Highlight Effect Properties

Parameter Description
Blur Type



Directional Angle


0: Blurs the image to the west.
90: Blurs the image to the south.
180: Blurs the image to the east.
270: Blurs the image to the north.
Directional Fall-off Rate


Use Matte Colour

Uses the colours in the matte for the highlight effect. If you deselect this option, select a colour and alpha values in the Colour section.

Multiplicative Creates a more diffused glow.