Use clip masks

A clip mask is a layer that floats above an object, which allows you to make changes to the object transparency without permanently modifying the object. You can create a clip mask that shows the object, so you can apply transparency to specific areas of the object. For example, if you want to reveal the image background through the object. Conversely, you can create a clip mask that hides the object, so you can apply transparency to gradually reveal only parts of the object. You can also convert an object transparency into a clip mask, so you can modify or remove the transparency effect.

The grayscale object (left) was stacked over the colored object (center), and a clip mask was created from the grayscale object (left). With the clip mask selected, the Paint tool was used to reveal the color in the butterfly’s wings (right).

In addition, you can conditionally remove an unwanted part of an object by defining an editable area to create a clip mask. For more information about editable areas, see Define editable areas.

If you are satisfied with the clip mask results, you can apply the change to the object permanently by combining the clip mask with the object.

You can also disable a clip mask to reveal the object, while preserving the clip mask, or delete a clip mask.

You can also apply a clip mask to an object group.

To modify the transparency of an object or object group by using a clip mask

2 .	Click Object Clip mask Create, and click one of the following:

3 .	In the toolbox, click the Paint tool .

You can change only the active clip mask. The active clip mask has a red border around its thumbnail in the Objects docker.

You can also create a clip mask that reveals the entire object or object group from the Objects docker by clicking the Create clip mask button .

When you apply a clip mask to an object group, you can modify the view of individual objects in the clipped mask area by selecting them in the Objects docker and moving them around.

To create a clip mask from an object transparency

2 .	Click Object Clip mask Create From object transparency.

To remove editable areas by using a clip mask

4 .	Click Object Clip mask Create, and click one of the following:

You can also create a clip mask that reveals the entire object or object group from the Objects docker by clicking the Create clip mask button .

To combine a clip mask with an object or object group

2 .	Click Object Clip mask Combine.

To disable a clip mask

2 .	Click Object Clip mask Disable.

To delete a clip mask

2 .	Click Object Clip mask Remove.

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