Live shape as clipping mask

[sPretzel]

Hi,

I have a yellow object that I convert to a rectangle shape using FX. I want to use that as a clipping mask on the green background object. While doing that, I would like to keep the yellow object and the rectangle shape applied to it as FX live.

I have not been able to achieve the desired result. I also looked at this thread but unless I did not understand it, that didn't work for me either.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/clipping-mask-not-converting-into-shape-pathf...

Attached is a picture of what I'm trying to do. This is for CS4. Thanks. 

[CarlosCanto]

select both and create an opacity mask instead, would that work for you?

[sPretzel]

Hi CarlosCanto. No, opacity masks wouldn't work. I can't have transparency in the artwork.

Also, I don't want to expand the artwork (so it stays live).

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

Create the 2 shapes and apply the rectangle effect to the top one.

Group both shapes and apply the Effects > Pathfinder >  Crop to the group.

[sPretzel]

Hi Ton. I ended up doing exactly that. However, I must say I still don't fully understand the Pathfinder behaviour.

[Ton Frederiks]

Yes it is sometimes difficult to visualize. Pathfinder as an Effect it must be applied to a group or used below the other items in the Appearance panel.

[Ton Frederiks]

It can be a single object with 2 fills converted to rectangles with the Pathfinder Crop as the last item.

But that only works if the Stroke item is not visible.