Illustrator clipping mask

[pazz1805]

Hiya,

I have got an illustrator clipping mask that is masking a vector behind it, I would like to delete everything (all the vectors) that is outside the clipping mask because I would like to get it engraved with a laser cutter but on EPS Ethos, when I open the illustrator file, even the vectors behind the clipping mask show up. I was wondering if anyone could help!

Thank you!

[Monika Gause]

It totally depends on what exactly it is that you want to clip.

Any live strokes in it?

[pazz1805]

What do you mean by 'live strokes'? (I'm sorry I'm not very advanced in this!)

It is a pattern that is a series of vector lines..

[Monika Gause]

Live strokes means a stroke width or dashes or anything that can be applied as a stroke.

You have a pattern? So you will have to expand the pattern and then see what's in it.

But since you need strokes for your laser cutter to engrave them, it will get close to impossible to apply your mask. WHen doing this kind of operation in Illustrator, you will have to expand strokes to shapes.

[pazz1805]

Oh ok. I have expanded it but I am not quite sure what to do next...?

(Thank you! Again, I'm sorry I'm new to this!)

[edgrimley]

Select and then use Pathfinder Intersect.

[Anna Lander · Accepted solution]

To delete all outside elements you can use Crop function instead of Clipping Mask.

1. Use your expended image and put the masking shape above it.

2. Select all and click Crop button at the Pathfinder palette

3. Ungroup the result.

4. Delete the objects that have "None" as fill and stroke (you can select 1 element, you will see it at the edge of your masking shape, and then use Select -> Same -> Fill & Stroke command)

[pazz1805]

Thank you both for the help! It's hugely appreciated!

Do you know if both of the expended image as well as masking shape have to be in the same layer?

[Anna Lander]

it doesn't matter, the thing is to have the masking shape above the main image. When you combine them they will come to the higher layer.

[Monika Gause]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Anna+Lander  schrieb

2. Select all and click Crop button at the Pathfinder palette

This won't work with stroked, open paths.

But for laser engraving you need stroked paths that might also be open on occasion.

[Anna Lander]

oh, yes, I've missed this mark. Maybe Shape Builder would be quite helpful here, but it's a lot of work with this main image.

[Monika Gause]

pazz1805  schrieb

Oh ok. I have expanded it but I am not quite sure what to do next...?

You should now:

1. stop any work on the file

2. have someone explain to you exactly what kind of data they need from you. And make sure they tell you more than just "an EPS". You need to know in detail what needs to be in there

3. Then have someone explain to you exactly how to build that in Illustrator and how to prepare your file. No, this is not something that can be explained in some forum posts to someone who has just started working with the application.

4. And if you have no time for that: hand your work to someone who has experience with this kind of work.

[Mariam Hovhannesyan]

I think you can find answer to your questions here How to use and edit clipping masks in Illustrator