Modifying and selecting masks

Once you create a mask, the mask and the masked objects can be selected and modified as any other object. Masked objects are unlocked by default. You can lock the mask so that mask objects are secured together. By locking the mask, individual objects cannot be unintentionally moved with the direct-selection tool.

The Clipping Masks command in the Select menu finds and selects all masks in the document. If objects are selected, the command deselects any objects that are not masks.

When you rasterize a mask, the full stroke value of the mask is displayed.

To select all masks in a file:

Choose Select > Object > Clipping Masks.

To find out which objects are affected by a mask:

1. Select the group-selection tool.
2. Click the mask once to select it, and then click once more to select the objects in the corresponding clipping group.

To add an object to masked artwork:

1. Use the selection tool to select the object to add to the masked artwork, and drag it in front of the mask.
2. Choose Edit > Cut.
3. With the direct-selection tool, select an object within the masked artwork.
4. Do one of the following:
• Choose either Edit > Paste in Front or Edit > Paste in Back. The object is pasted in front of or behind the selected object and becomes part of the masked artwork.
• In the Layers palette, drag the object into the clipping group.

To remove an object from masked artwork:

1. With the direct-selection tool, select the object you want to remove.
2. Do one of the following:
• Choose Edit > Cut.
• In the Layers palette, drag the object out of the clipping group.

To lock a mask:

1. With the direct-selection tool, select the mask to lock.
2. Choose Object > Lock > Selection.