Using text as a clipping mask creates a misalignment

[Syntax_One]

Hi!

I've never experienced this before. Is there a fix?

Thank you!

Chris.

[Anshul_Saini]

Hello Chris (@Syntax_One),

If you're experiencing misalignment issues when using text as a clipping mask in Illustrator, here are a few steps you can try to address the problem:

• Zoom Out: Sometimes, misalignment issues may appear more noticeable when zoomed in. Zoom out to get a broader view and see if the misalignment persists.

• Switch Preview Mode: Illustrator uses both GPU and CPU for rendering. Switching between GPU and CPU preview modes (Cmd+E or Ctrl+E) might give you a different view and help identify the misalignment more accurately.

• Check Text and Clipping Mask Position: Ensure that both the text and the objects you are using as a clipping mask are in the correct position. Misalignment can occur if there's a slight shift in their positions.

If the issue persists, you may consider sharing more details about your project to help identify the specific problem. Feel free to share more information, and I'll do my best to assist you further!

Best,

Anshul Saini

[Syntax_One]

Hi!

Thanks for your reply.

• Zoom Out: tried before and doesn't work.
• Switch Preview Mode: tried before and doesn't work.
• Check Text and Clipping Mask Position: this is not the issue.

I've been teaching clipping masks for 12 years using this demo and it's the first time I encounter this issue.

Here is my document so you can see for yourself: https://we.tl/t-uua82NEAec

Thanks again!

[Syntax_One]

Anyone? Thank you!

[Kurt Gold]

Based on your sample file I can reproduce the issue.

It may be a bug, but I have not investigated it carefully so far.

[Bobby Henderson]

Yeah, that misalignment problem is weird. It even persists when changing fonts. Here's one work-around that appears to get rid of it while keeping the clipping text live. Create a box in that turquoise color and move it behind the yellow lady object then group all of it together. Remove the fill on the live text object sitting above those other objects. Use the text object containing no fill or stroke as a clipping mask for the other objects underneath. The clipping results seem much more accurate.

[Ton Frederiks]

I can reproduce that problem.

You can use an Opacity mask instead.

I made a copy of the green text.

Filled the original with black.

Selected the text and the yellow object and clicked the Make Mask in the Transparency panel.

Checked both Clip and Invert.

Pasted the green text behind.

[Syntax_One]

Thanks for the workarounds guys! You rock! But the problem remains and needs to be fixed!