Creating a clipping path in Photoshop is completely different than in Illustrator.
Perhaps, you create a clipping mask in Photoshop a lot of time. But when it comes to performing the same task in Illustrator, you may get terrified.
The relieving fact is- creating a clipping mask in Illustrator is not as difficult as you think.
Indeed, it is quite easy to do the editing work in Illustrator.
And this ultimate guide on how to create a clipping mask in Illustrator covers you up.
So, let get started right here.
Before going to the step by step guideline, first I want to let you know about the types of mask in Illustrator.
In Illustrator, there are several types of clipping masks available. They are:
- Clipping Masks
- Compound Clipping Masks
- Transparency Shape Masks
- Transparency Layer Masks
Clipping Mask
A clipping mask is a type of shape that only manifests the artwork within its boundaries. Using this mask, you can reveal only the part of an image you want to show. You can easily make a clipping mask in Illustrator.
Compound Clipping Mask
Compound clipping masks are a type of mask that consisted of a lot of shapes.
Instead of making a simple shape, we will create multiple shapes in Illustrator.
In other words, we will create a more complex shape than the simple clipping mask.
Transparency Shape Mask
Up to now, a clipping mask or compound mask would let you hide or reveal any part of an image. But a transparency shape mask lets you use different shapes, patterns, and gradients to make a mask more stunning.
Making a transparency shape mask takes more time than creating a simple or complex clipping mask.
Transparency layer mask
A transparency layer mask is basically a type of mask that works like a transparency mask.
How to create a clipping mask in Illustrator
In this chapter, I am going to teach you how to create a clipping mask in Illustrator following 5 simple steps.
Step 1: Place objects in Illustrator
First, you should create two objects. To place objects in Illustrator, go to File > Place.
A clipping mask works with an object created in Illustrator with an object you place there.
Step 2: Create a layer you want to use a mask using the pen tool to make a shape
In this case, the circle I used is a clipping mask. I place the circle where I will create the mask.
The color, fill, and stroke values of the shape don’t matter as they alter to None when you make a mask.
Step 3: Use the selection tool to choose the placed image as well as shape
Press the Shift button and click on the selection to add an object.
Step 4: Go to Choose object > Clipping mask > Make
To create a clipping mask, go to Choose object > Clipping Mask > Mask. You can also use the keyboard shortcut- Ctrl + 7 to make a clipping mask.
That is, you created a clipping mask perfectly. If you want to move the mask or image individually, use the direct selection tool.
To turn off or inactive the clipping mask, go to Choose object > Clipping mask > Release.
Conclusion
To create a clipping mask in Illustrator is quite simple. What you do is just go to Clipping mask > Make.
Following the step, you can create clipping masks that help you to hide or reveal any part of an image. If you want to hide a specific part of your design, create clipping masks and hide the object you don’t want anyone to see.
The four steps I applied are easy to follow. I hope you can make a clipping mask in Illustrator accurately following those steps.
