Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Mask error message
If you get the message, “Selection cannot contain objects within different groups
unless the entire group is selected,” cut or copy your selected objects (to remove
them from the group), then Paste in Front. Now you can apply Object> Clipping
Mask> Make.
In the Control panel: when a placed image is selected, the Mask but-
ton (left) appears; when an object using a mask is
selected, the Edit Clipping Path and Edit Contents
buttons (left and right respectively in the right-
hand figure)
Figuring out if it's a mask
•
<Clippin
g
Path>
in the Layers panel will be underlined if it's a mask (even if you've
renamed it), and the background color for the icon will be gray.
• The phrase “Clip Group” in your Control panel means your selection contains a
clipping mask.
• An
opacity mask
appears in the Layers panel as < Path > with a dotted underline,
but as <Opacity Mask> if it's active in the Transparency panel.
• Select> Object> Clipping Masks to help you find masks within a file (but not inside
linked files).
Using type, compound paths, or shapes as a mask
You can use editable type as a mask to give the appearance that the type is filled with
any image or group of objects. Select the type and the image or objects with which
you want to fill the text. Make sure the type is on top, then choose Object> Clipping
Mask> Make.
To use separate type characters as a single clipping mask, you have to first make
them into a compound shape or compound path. You can make a compound shape
from either outlined or live text. You can make a compound path only from outlined
text (not live text). Once you've made a compound path or shape out of separate type
elements, you can use it as a mask. Look for Chana Messer's typographic poster
gallery at the end of the
Designing Type & Layout
chapter for an example of using
Draw Inside mode to mask an image with type.
Collect in New Layer
To collect selected layers into one “master layer,” Shift-click or -click/Ctrl-click
multiple layers and choose Collect in New Layer from the Layers menu.
RELATED TIPS
Exporting to Photoshop
When you export Illustrator artwork in Photoshop (PSD) format, you may end up with
many sublayers if the artwork uses objects such as brushes, symbols, and blends.
To simplify the exported document, target the sublayer that contains the problematic
objects, enable the Knockout Group checkbox in the Transparency panel, and then
export again.
