To mask two shapes in Illustrator, you can use the clipping mask feature. This process involves using one shape to define the visible area of another shape or group of shapes. Here's how you can do it:
Creating a Clipping Mask
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Prepare your shapes:
- First, make sure you have the two shapes you want to mask and the shape you want to use as the mask.
- Position the shapes in the order you want them. The masking shape needs to be on top.
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Select the objects:
- Select both the masking shape and the shapes you wish to mask.
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Apply the clipping mask:
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Go to Object > Clipping Mask > Make (or use the keyboard shortcut Command/Ctrl + 7).
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The topmost object will act as the mask and will define the visible part of the objects below it.
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Clipping Mask Insights
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Compound Paths As suggested in the reference video, you can use compound paths to make multiple shapes the mask if you have more than one shape you want to mask with. First, select all your masking shapes, and then go to Object > Compound Path > Make. Then select all masking shapes along with the shape/shapes you want to mask and use the same technique above.
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Masking Behavior: Only the parts of the masked object that overlap with the mask object will be visible.
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Non-Destructive: Clipping masks are non-destructive, which means you can later edit or move the objects inside the mask or the mask itself without losing the original shapes.
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Layer Organization: In the Layers panel, you'll see the clipping mask as a group, with the mask object at the top and the masked objects below.
Practical Examples
Here are examples of scenarios in which masking might be useful:
- Image inside a shape: You can place a photograph inside a vector shape like a circle. The circle would be the mask and the photo would be the masked object.
- Text effects: You could create a text object to mask parts of a complicated design.
By understanding the clipping mask function, you can easily combine shapes and create complex effects within Illustrator.
