: Why does this AI Illustrator clipping mask not work? Below is a link to a very simple AI file that represents the issue I am having. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6136148/question.ai I am
Below is a link to a very simple AI file that represents the issue I am having.
dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6136148/question.ai
I am trying to get the dots to be coloured by the gradient behind. Please could someone explain why I can't create a clipping mask with the two objects in the artwork? I have tried all manner of manipulations of the circles in to paths, expanding, grouping, etc
I don't understand why it's not working. I would really appreciate 1 minute of an experienced Illustrator user's time to answer this conundrum. I am not a novice.
Many thanks.
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You may not use clipping masks at all. Just select the group of circles, paint it by clicking with Eyedropper Tool on yellow-red rectangle. And at last align the gradient of the circles using Gradient Tool. That is all.
*Based on your file and setup
1) Make all circles black.
2) Select both objects, in the Transparency Window click "Make Mask"
3) Then click on the "Invert Mask" checkbox.
You need a single path to create a clipping mask. You can't use a group of objects or objects with effects etc (the effects would be disregarded anyway).
Simple fix: Select all of your circles and create a compound path (Object → Compound Path → Make or Ctrl / cmd+8). Compound paths essentially treat a group of paths as one single path, allowing you to use that path for a clipping mask.
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