#Clipping masks

A clipping mask shows artwork only inside a shape — a photo inside a circle, a pattern inside lettering.

#Create

1. Put the masking shape in front of the artwork.
2. Select the shape and the artwork.
3. Press Ctrl 7 (Object → Create Clipping Mask).

The frontmost selected shape becomes the mask. Images and text can't be the mask itself — they can be inside one. The mask and its contents become one group, so they move together.

#Edit

• Double-click the clip group to work inside it: move the contents within the mask.
• Use Direct Selection (A) to reshape the mask.

#Release

Ctrl Alt 7 (Object → Release Clipping Mask) gives you back the separate shapes.