# SKCropNode A node that masks pixels drawn by its children so that only some pixels are seen. ``` class SKCropNode ``` ## Overview `SKCropNode` is a container node that you use to crop other nodes in the scene. You add other nodes to a crop node and set the crop node’s [`maskNode`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKCropNode/maskNode) property. For example, here are some ways you might specify a mask: - An untextured sprite that limits content to a rectangular portion of the scene. - A textured sprite that works as a precise per-pixel mask. - A collection of child nodes that form a unique shape. You can animate the shape or contents of the mask to implement interesting effects such as hiding or revealing. > Tip: > Use crop nodes sparingly. Because they require an additional offscreen memory buffer to perform the crop and add a rendering operation into the offscreen buffer, they add notably more overhead to the app. ## Topics ### First Steps Crop other nodes in the scene by adding them as child nodes to a crop node. [Cropping Nodes](/documentation/SpriteKit/cropping-nodes) Use a texture or a shape to mask pixels out of a crop node’s children. ### Setting the Mask Filter [`maskNode`](/documentation/SpriteKit/SKCropNode/maskNode) The node used to determine the crop node’s mask. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)