Modifying and selecting masks
Once you create a mask, the mask and the masked objects can be selected, moved, locked, and modified just as any other objects. You can add a fill and stroke to a clipping mask using either the toolbox or the Color palette. (See Applying color using the toolbox and Using the Color palette.) Clipping set in original position (left); moving just the clipping mask (right) with the Direct Selection tool reveals different areas in the clipping set
To move a clipping mask: - Do one of the following:
- Using the direct selection tool, drag the object's center reference point to move the entire mask or drag an anchor point or path segment.
- Using the Layers palette, select the target icon adjacent to the clipping mask. Use either the selection tool or the direct selection tool to drag from the mask's path edge or center reference point to a new location.
To modify the shape of a clipping mask: Use the Direct Selection or Lasso tools to select an anchor point or path segment on the clipping mask and modify the path. (See Adjusting paths.)
To apply a fill and stroke to a mask: - With the Direct Selection tool, select the mask you want to fill or stroke.
- Select the Fill or the Stroke selection box in the toolbox.
- Select a fill color or stroke color for the mask. (See Applying color fills and strokes to objects.)
The fill is drawn below the clipped objects, and the stroke is drawn on top.
To select all clipping masks: - Choose Select > Deselect to deselect all artwork.
- Choose Select > Object > Clipping Masks.
Clipping masks are selected but the objects they mask are not.
To find out which objects are affected by a mask: Do one of the following: - Locate the masking object in the Layers palette. Masked objects are listed below the masking object and are separated by dotted lines.
- Select the Group-Selection tool, click the masking object once to select it, and then click once more to select the objects in the corresponding clipping set.
To add an object to masked artwork: - Do one of the following:
- Using the Layers palette, select the group or layer listing that contains the clipping mask and then either draw a new object or paste artwork cut or copied to the clipboard.
- Use the Selection tool to select the object you want to add to the clipping set, and then drag it within the area of the masking object's shape. In the Layers palette, drag the object's listing within the clipping set.
- Cut or copy the object you want to add to the masked artwork. Select the clipping mask using the direct select tool or the Layers palette, and choose Edit > Paste in Back.
To remove an object from masked artwork: - Do one of the following:
- In the Layers palette, drag the object out of the clipping group.
- With the Direct- Selection tool, select the object you want to remove, and then choose Edit > Cut or Edit > Clear.
To lock a mask: - Do one of the following:
- In the Layers palette, click to select the lock toggle adjacent to the mask to lock.
- With the Direct Selection tool or the Layers palette, select the mask to lock. Choose Object > Lock > Selection.
|