Note
You will hear people use the phrases “clipping mask,” “clipping path,” and “mask.”
Usually they mean the same thing.
Only vector objects can be clipping paths; however, any artwork can be masked. You can also
import masks created in Photoshop files. The clipping path and the masked object are referred to
as the clipping set.
Applying a simple mask to an image
In this section, you’ll see how to let Illustrator create a simple mask for you on the Kayakjpg
image so that you can hide part of the image.
With the Selection tool ( ) selected, click the Kayak.jpg image to select it (the first image you
placed).
Click the Properties panel tab to show that panel. Click the Mask button in the Properties
panel.