adobe illustrator what can i use instead of a clipping mask

NOTE: The mask has to be created ABOVE the layer you want to clip into it.Įxample 1: Add some text (e.g., HAWAII) using with the Type Tool from a vector shape (e.g., Path, Compound Path) or with a vector-creation tool (e.g., Pen Tools, Shape Tools, Text Object) or Create a Clipping Mask using one of the following means:.Import ( File > Place.) a background image (e.g., sunset) that will be 'masked.'.The Opacity Mask can DOUBLE as a Clipping Mask and you can use both mask on the same in the same project.īelow are the two Adobe Illustrator mask types: Whereas, the Opacity Mask is a BITMAP mask and will allow for SOFT EDGES and can have BUILT-IN TRANSPARENCY based on the grayscale values (black, white, and gray) of the mask. The different is the a Clipping Mask is a VECTOR mask and will always have a HARD EDGE and NO BUILT-IN TRANSPARENCY. While both the Clipping Mask and the Opacity Mask can be used to SHOW/HIDE content under them. SHOW/HIDE all or a portion of the underlying layerĮXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Once you realize the above concepts, it will help to 'take' the mystery out of creating, editing, and seeing the effect of any mask or releasing or deleting it.

BE STORED somewhere (e.g., Layers, Layers (Opacity Mask) panel, Transparency panel).BOTH the mask AND the underlying layer that is being masked has to be selected.NOTE: Once created, the object in the in the Layers panel can be anywhere in the stacking order.

ALWAYS be on TOP of the object it is masking when created.

NOTE: This is a technical term that is referred to as NON-DESTRUCTIVE EDITING

NEVER ALTER the underlying IMAGE or SHAPE.Unlike Photoshop that has over a half a dozen masks, Illustrator only has two masks however, they ALL do the SAME things (show or hide, and protect the object(s) under them) but in DIFFERENT ways:

Adobe illustrator what can i use instead of a clipping mask