Clipping masks

A clipping mask shows only the part of an image or group that falls inside a shape. It is useful for an irregular photo crop or artwork that must follow a custom silhouette.

Put the mask shape over the artwork and select the objects that belong together. Choose Edit → Make clipping mask. The result behaves as one group on the canvas, while the artwork outside the mask is hidden. Open the group to adjust its contents or mask if the visible area needs to change.

Choose Edit → Release clipping mask when you want the original objects separate again. The shortcuts are ⌘/Ctrl+Alt+M to make a mask and ⌘/Ctrl+Alt+Shift+M to release it.

A clipping mask differs from an image frame. Use a frame for ordinary rectangular crops and fit controls. Use a mask for a custom outline or several objects clipped together. Check the exported result before printing: some masked content must be rasterized, and a spot color inside that rasterized area may lose its separate printing plate. The print checks warn when that matters.