The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer body, in particular a security element, wherein a partial first layer or a partial first layer system is created on a substrate, said partial first layer or partial first layer system being provided in a first portion and not in a second portion. Subsequently, a partial second layer or a partial second layer system is created, said partial second layer or partial second layer system being provided in a third portion and not in a fourth portion, which third portion overlaps with the first and second portions. The partial first layer or the partial first layer system is then formed as a mask structure using the partial second layer or the partial second layer system.