6 Replies Latest reply: Jul 29, 2011 3:22 PM by Rodieck RSS

    Clipping Mask Problem

    Rodieck Community Member

       

      I need some help in creating a clipping mask – I think I may be missing some basic concept here. This is my first time trying to create a clipping mask.

       

       

      I’m working on a zebra, and I’d like to create the stripes using the width tool.  But if I create the strip with a path ending precisely at the outline of the zebra and then use the width tool, the ends of the stripe are jagged -- part inside the outline, part outside.

       

       

      So I’d like to extend the stripes beyond the outline of the zebra; then I thought  I could use a clipping mask to mask them.  It sounded to me like the right approach. but I can’t get it to work.

       

       

      I created the zebra using the pen tool on several layers, then flattened the layers, joined the lines, and used the shape builder tool to create one vector object to use as my mask.  Underneath this layer I placed my stripes layer. 

      zebra before clipping mask.JPG

       

      I selected both layers, then I made a clipping mask, but it looks the same as before.  The ends of the stripes are still showing.  (I also tried putting both the outline and the stripes into the same layer, but same problem.)

       

      after clipping mask.JPG

       

       

      I’ve read the user’s guide section on clipping masks, and I’ve viewed the video tutorial.  But I still can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong.  Am I missing some concept?  Am I making some technical error?  Am I trying to use the wrong tool?

       

       

       

      I’m using Illustrator CS5 on a Windows 7 machine.

        • 1. Re: Clipping Mask Problem
          Monika Gause CommunityMVP

          This zebra outline needs to be one continous (and closed) path. So only one object on that layer, which must not be a compound path (in this case)

          • 2. Re: Clipping Mask Problem
            Russell Goodman Community Member

            If anyone knows about zebra's, it's Monika!

            • 3. Re: Clipping Mask Problem
              Rodieck Community Member

              Thanks, Monica-zebra --

               

              I think it meets those criteria.  It's on a layer by itself and when I click on one part of the path, the whole path is selected.  And I can fill it with a color: I thought that meant it was a closed path, but maybe not?

              • 4. Re: Clipping Mask Problem
                Jacob Bugge CommunityMVP

                Rodieck,

                 

                Another approach, which would lead to simple closed fill/nostroke stripe paths inside the outer shape (which might be better or worse depending on a number of things), and which would work even with several open paths together forming the outer shape, could be to:

                 

                1) Select all the stripes (which extend past the outer shape) and Object>Outline Strokes,

                2) Create a copy of the outer shape, which may be/remain (an) open path(s), as the topmost object,

                3) Object>Path>Divide Objects Below (for each path forming part of the outer shape),

                4) Delete the outlying ends.

                 

                And what Russel said.

                • 5. Re: Clipping Mask Problem
                  rcraighead Community Member

                  There's no need for the zebra outline to be in a separate layer. Try dragging it into the Layer containing the stripes. Make sure it's the top object and try again. It would be helpful to see the content of each layer, in your screen shot, for troubleshooting purposes.

                   

                  If you want to keep the stripes in a separate layer, drag the "stripes" layer into the "zebra" layer the deselect all and select the "zebra" layer in the layers panel. Then choose "Make Clipping Mask" from the Layers flyout menu. This will leave the "stripes" layer intact within the "zebra" layer. Otherwise, all the elements will be moved to a single clipping group.

                  • 6. Re: Clipping Mask Problem
                    Rodieck Community Member

                    That did the trick!  Thanks very much.  (Doing a dance of joy ...)