masks dont show in color

[jamesRC]

A small, irritating problem-

A short time ago, while practicing making masks, they stopped appearing in the usual red color. Instead, I got an effect telling me the mask was there, but had no color. I checked the PixInsight defaults, and the mask properties re mask color. All say the masks should be in red. Trying to change the color does not work either. The masks are definitely there, from application of effects and looking where the effects affected the image, after removing the mask.
Like I said, small but annoying. I really like my masks red :-)

What might I do to fix this?
James

[jamesRC]

I just tried it once more and got a bright red mask. So obviously I missed something important.
The mask making process isn't well described in words. I recognize Object Oriented Programming, where something defined in the program has properties that can be transferred to other things. Might not hurt to say so, otherwise its just "do this weird thing and assume it will work". Trying for humor here!
James

[Geoff]

Have you tried to use the ShowMask or HideMask feature?

[drmikevt]

You had managed to hide the mask, somehow.  On a mac, this is done with command-k.  Or, you can right click the image, go to the mask option and choose 'show mask'.  Or, you can click the little 'show mask' icon in the top button bar.  Most people, I think, hide the mask once applied so that you can better see what you are doing to your image. 

If you want a manual, consider buying Warren Keller's book, Inside Pixinsight.

Mike

[jamesRC]

Thanks, guys.

Well at the time I did try the things on the mask options menu. None of them seemed to work. It's working again, as usually happens right after I ask for help, so I'm fine I guess.

I do have "Inside PixInsight" and it is a great book. It could explain better what is happening when you transfer a process to a new one via a new instance, as is used in making a mask. Oh well maybe there's no words for it. Reminds me of object oriented programming.

Thank you again!