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How do I create a clipping mask in Illustrator CS6?

Published in Adobe Illustrator 3 mins read

Creating a clipping mask in Adobe Illustrator CS6 involves using one object to mask another, showing only the area within the shape of the top object. Here's how:

Steps to Create a Clipping Mask:

  1. Arrange Objects: Place the object you want to use as the mask (the clipping path) above the object(s) you want to mask in the stacking order. You can do this by selecting the object you want to be on top, right-clicking, selecting "Arrange", and then choosing "Bring to Front."

  2. Select Objects: Select both the clipping path and the object(s) you want to mask. You can do this by clicking and dragging a selection box around all the objects, or by holding down the Shift key and clicking on each object individually.

  3. Create Clipping Mask: Go to Object > Clipping Mask > Make. Alternatively, you can right-click on the selected objects and choose "Make Clipping Mask."

Important Considerations:

  • Clipping Path Properties: The top object (the clipping path) determines the visible area. Only the area where the masked objects overlap with the clipping path will be visible. The clipping path adopts the fill and stroke attributes of the original object at the top of the stack before applying the mask.

  • Grouping: If you're masking multiple objects, it's a good idea to group them first (select all, then Object > Group or Ctrl/Cmd + G). This ensures all objects are masked by the single clipping path. The video suggests grouping objects using command + G.

  • Complex Masks: You can create more complex masks using compound paths or multiple shapes as the clipping path. However, for Illustrator CS6, ensure the clipping path is a single, closed path for best results.

  • Releasing a Clipping Mask: To release a clipping mask, select the masked object, then go to Object > Clipping Mask > Release. This will separate the clipping path from the masked objects.

Example:

Imagine you have a star shape and a photograph of a landscape. To display the landscape only within the star shape, you would:

  1. Place the star shape above the landscape image.
  2. Select both the star and the landscape.
  3. Go to Object > Clipping Mask > Make.

The landscape will now be visible only within the boundaries of the star shape.

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