Mask layers

[meganw39929130]

When I try to use my mask layers for artwork it erases the project entirely - vs cropping off like normal.

How can I fix this?

[jane-e]

When you use layer masking, it masks the entire layer to the top object. What is your top object in the layer?

In this example, I have a large rectangle. The star is very small — if it were topmost, the layer masking would fail.

If you have multiple layers, you need to drag them to make them sublayers and the shape can be the only object on the top layer when you mask to keep things simple.

In your artwork it is not erasing — it is just out of bounds of the top object and everything else is hidden.

[meganw39929130]

Thank you, I am still very confused. I just started with this program last week and am still learning everything. is there a way I can show you a picture of my screen?

[meganw39929130]

How do I make them sublayers?

[meganw39929130]

[jane-e]

I can't see what's on the top layer, because it's collapsed. So let's assume you have drawn a rectangle — it will become invisible, so it does not matter if it has a fill and stroke now.

First: Save

Drag the second layer on top of the first layer. If you go too high or too low, you reorder the layers. Put it smack on top and it goes inside.

Repeat with the other layers that you want clipped.

Select the name of the top layer > Click the Make / Release Clipping Mask button (next to the magnifying glass) at the bottom of the Layers panel. Everything that you want clipped has to be on the same layer. The text on the left should not be clipped, probably, so don't include it.

If everything is already on one layer that you want clipped, just make sure the top object is the one you want to be the mask.

[meganw39929130]

when you are referring to layers (drag second layer on top of first) are you referring to the boxes? I did draw a rectangle over the original box (as told to by my teacher) I thought I did it correctly and once I hit the make/release clipping mask, it all went again .

[meganw39929130]

Now my top box isn't doing it but my bottom one is

[jane-e]

Spin open Mask Layer: What is on it?

What is on the hidden Layer 4?

Please name Layer 4 and Layer 5 (thank you!)

Collapse the Mask Layer again

To make Layer 4 a sublayer of the Mask Layer, first make it visible. Then click on the words "Layer 4" (renamed) and drag the words onto "Mask Layer".

Mask Layer will become a solid color when you do it correctly.

Release

When layers are inside, they are indented

[jane-e]

http://www.adobepress.com/articles/article.asp?p=1347501&seqNum=3

[meganw39929130]

Thank you for your help I really appreciate it and I'm sure everything you have said is correct. Being new to this program I have no idea what to do based on the terminology you are using.

My mask layers I made (4-5) were just messing around with the program. They did not save at all, there is nothing on them.