How do you Make a Clipping Mask with a Stroke in Illustrator?

To create a clipping mask with a stroke in Adobe Illustrator, you essentially clip the stroke (and any other attributes) of an object to the shape of another object. Here's how you do it:

1. Create Your Shapes: Draw the shape you want to use as the clipping mask (the top shape) and the object you want to clip (the bottom shape – this can include strokes, fills, and multiple objects). The clipping mask will adopt the shape of the top object.

2. Position Your Objects: Arrange the object(s) to be clipped underneath the clipping mask shape. The area where the top shape overlaps with the bottom shape will be visible after the clipping mask is applied.

3. Select Both Objects: Use the Selection Tool (V) to select both the clipping mask shape and the object(s) you want to clip.

4. Create the Clipping Mask: Go to Object > Clipping Mask > Make.

Now, the object(s) with the stroke will be clipped to the shape of the top object. The lines and attributes of the bottom object will be visible only within the boundaries of the top object's shape. In some instances, you may need to bring the clipping mask shape to the front (Object > Arrange > Bring to Front).

Important Considerations:

• The top object used as the clipping mask will lose its fill and stroke attributes and become invisible. However, it still acts as the boundary for the clipping mask.

• If you want to edit the clipping mask or the clipped object(s) later, you can either:

  • Select the clipped group and go to Object > Clipping Mask > Edit Content or Object > Clipping Mask > Edit Mask.
  • Release the clipping mask by selecting the clipped group and going to Object > Clipping Mask > Release.