How do I create a shape clipping mask in Illustrator?

Creating a shape clipping mask in Adobe Illustrator is a straightforward process. You can quickly mask artwork using a shape to control the visibility of underlying objects.

Steps to Create a Clipping Mask

Here’s how to create a clipping mask:

1. Arrange Your Objects: Make sure that the object you intend to use as the mask (the clipping path) is on top of the objects you want to mask.
2. Select the Objects: Select both the clipping path and the objects you want to mask.
3. Make the Mask:
   • Right-Click: Right-click on the selected objects.
   • Choose 'Make Clipping Mask': Select “Make Clipping Mask” from the context menu.
   • Keyboard Shortcut: Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+7 (or Cmd+7 on macOS).

Important Considerations

• Clipping Path Attributes: The clipping mask object loses its fill and stroke attributes and only retains its shape. As the reference mentions, after creating the mask, you won't see the outline of the clipping object or any fill. This is by design, as a clipping mask is an object without an outline and filling.
• Top-Most Object: Remember the mask shape must be the top-most object within the selected items for this to work correctly.
• Modifying the Mask: You can still modify the clipping path, and the underlying artwork will be dynamically updated.

Example

Let's say you have a star shape and some text you want to fit inside the star.

• Place the star shape above the text.
• Select both the star shape and the text.
• Use the right-click method or Ctrl+7 shortcut to create a clipping mask. The text will now only be visible within the boundaries of the star shape.

By following these steps, you can quickly and easily create shape clipping masks in Adobe Illustrator.