How Do I Release a Clipping Mask in InDesign?

To release a Clipping Mask in Adobe InDesign, you need to select the masked object and use the menu command.

Releasing a clipping mask in InDesign allows you to separate the framing object (the mask) from the content it was clipping, revealing the entire original object. Objects can also be "popped" from their clip masks, revealing the entire object.

Here's how to do it:

1. Select the Object: Using the Selection tool (the black arrow), click on the object that is currently clipped by a mask.
2. Navigate the Menu: Go to the main menu bar at the top of the screen.
3. Choose the Command: Select Object > Clipping Mask > Remove From Clip.

This action will effectively remove the mask, and the original, uncropped content will reappear in its entirety.

Steps to Remove a Clipping Mask

Here is a simple breakdown of the process:

• Click on the object you wish to 'pop' from its clipping mask.
• Choose Object from the menu bar.
• Hover over Clipping Mask in the dropdown menu.
• Select Remove From Clip.

Step	Action	Menu Path
1. Select	Click the masked object.	Use Selection Tool (V)
2. Access	Open the Object menu.	Object
3. Release	Choose the release command.	Clipping Mask > Remove From Clip

Once released, the masking frame and the clipped content will typically become separate objects again, though the exact behaviour can depend on how the mask was originally created (e.g., pasting into a frame vs. using Make Clipping Mask). The reference specifically mentions removing from the clip, which is the standard method for masks created using the Make Clipping Mask command or similar interactions.

This process is quick and allows you to regain access to the full content that was previously hidden by the mask's boundaries.