Layering Images help please - New User

[desmoot]

I am a new user to Draw, using oo2. Im using draw to export jpegs for a windows movie maker project. Id like to set a picture as a background image and then layer a black rectangle over it, with only a small hole cut out to focus on the main picture. Ill then export this image. Next Ill remove the rectangle and export the full image.

For example, the movie will show a small bird in a circle on a black background, then fade the black out showing the entire flock.

Right now I can only do this by dropping 4 different rectangles over the picture, leaving a small rectangle visible, exporting the image, deleting the rectangles, and exporting again. Im trying to figure out how to "cut" a hole in the top layer, exposing the image underneath.

Thanks for your help.

[keme]

Draw the cutout over the mask. (It's easier to draw the cutout shape first, then move it on top of the masking shape).
Click the mask to select it, then hold shift while clicking the cutout.
Select menu item Modify - Shapes - Subtract.

[desmoot]

Thanks, that is it exactly.