Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
As before, start by creating an object or compound object that will become your
clipping mask. Make sure that it's the topmost object, then select it and
all
the objects
you want to be masked (this topmost object will become the mask). Now, choose
Object> Clipping Mask> Make. When you use this method, all the objects, including
the new clipping path, will move to the layer that contains your topmost object and
will be collected into a new <Group>. This will restrict the masking effect to only
those objects within the group; you can easily use the Selection tool to select the
entire clipping group. If you expand the <Group> in the Layers panel (by clicking the
expansion triangle), you'll be able to move objects into or out of the clipping group,
or move objects up or down within the group to change the stacking order. (Don't
miss the Tip “
Magical clipping path
” Magical Clipping Path.)
Before masking (left), the black-stroked circle is positioned as the
topmost object in the stacking order, so it
will become the clipping path when the clip-
ping mask is created (right)
You can add a stroke and fill to a mask. The middle figure shows an
unstroked mask; the right figure shows a
dark blue stroke and a light blue fill added to
the clipping mask
