Adding layers with opacity masks

I wanna use a opacity mask for multiple layers and different designes, but everytime I make a mask with the transparency panel it locks my layers to one layer and does not let me add any new ones or go back to my other stroke designes on other layers, so I do a mask in new artbourds on a new tab for each designe to get the textures I want, how do I combine them for one big design?

Before I make the mask
and After

Similar Messages

  • Problem Saving PDF with Opacity Masks in Illustrator CS3

    I'm having trouble exporting an Illlustrator CS3 file to PDF. I have two layers in the the .ai file that have opacity masks applied. When I save the file as a PDF, the two layers with opacity masks seem to disappear (or they are flattened down to white/100% transparency.) They do not show on screen nor when printing. I've tried opening the saved PDF in Illustrator to investigate, and the layers are still there, but with no opacity mask. Where am I going wrong? I've tried a new file with a simple shape and a simple opacity mask, and it exports fine to PDF. So something is wrong with my file set up, but I can't pinpoint what! I have also tried exporting to various versions of PDF, and nothing works. Help!
    Screen cap from Illustrator:
    Screen cap of PDF:
    Correct (Illustrator) with subtle starburst effect:
    Wrong (Acrobat PDf), no starburst!
    Thanks for looking!

    Not sure what's going on in your file, but it's definately having a problem with the Steaks layer. Trying to release the clipping mask and ungrouping all the layers is having a problem so it might have something to do with the way the streaks layer was built.
    Using your file I replaced the streaks layer and put a starburst that's clipped to the icon shape. I've attached two files. One is for Illustrator CC so you can retain the gradient fill on the stroke which is only available in newer versions of Illustrator. The other has the starburst I created expanded so that you can open the file and retain the startburst look.
    CC
    https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/37256756/Go-IconCC.ai
    CS3
    https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/37256756/Go-IconCS3.ai

  • Problems saving/exporting with Opacity Mask in Illustrator CS6

    Hi, I'm very new to illustrator and self taught. I'm having issues exporting a file with opacity masks to PDF. I have a file with three layers, each with a opacity mask. When I save the file as a PDF, the opacity masks seem to disappear (or they are flattened). I've tried creating a new document and creating it again with no luck. Where am I going wrong? I just want it to look like it does in Illustrator when its exported! Heres the file: Dropbox - BB Logo.ai
    Ideally I'd like to export it to a JPEG or PNG whilst maintaining the opacity masks to give the logo texture. Any suggestions?
    I appreciate any help! Thanks
    Its a little hard to see but heres an Illustrator screenshot:
    PDF screenshot:
    Thanks for looking!!

    You'll need to outline the text and provide the mask image.
    Apart from that: looks to me like a problem with resolution. There's a structure in your exported file, but it's smoothed.
    Without knowing what exactly you did step by step it's difficult to solve this problem.

  • Cropping Images with Opacity Masks | Learn Illustrator CS6 | Adobe TV

    In this video you will learn a versatile method for cropping images in Adobe Illustrator CS6 and CS5. Using opacity masks allows you to retain the area of the image you cropped out, modify the clipping path later, and use complex blending modes, transparencies, and knockout groups.
    http://adobe.ly/V8tTZD

    Firstly great tutorial.
    Anyway I initially started a thread in the forums which lead me here regarding the use of opacity masks, I'm having real problems finding a solution to my specific problem.
    I've got 2 issues I'm trying to solve, the first is how do I show just a portion an object above another even though it sits in a layer behind.
    The second is I have an object with a linear gradient applied and I want to add yet another gradient just to a certain part of that object in order to make it fade out in a certain way.
    I've spent hours pouring through the help topics but nothing seems to fit my exact problem, sorry for asking questions here but I'm really stumped and I think an opacity mask would do the trick, I'm just not sure how to execute it.
    Thanks heaps.
    http://forums.adobe.com/message/5125695#5125695

  • Masking multiple layers with one mask

    Is there any way to do this???
    When I setup template files for say...  thumbnail images  with rounded corners and a dropshadow, I preffer to do this the way that Photshop and imagready allow you to do it > creat a shape and use it to mask whichever layers above it. That way if I choose to make it one or two pixels wider, I just do it to the masking layer and resave the tumbnails out. As far as I can tell Fireworks makes you create a different mask for every layer so you would have to change it in every layer... not the best work flow!
    Thanks for any help with this.

    " Hmm...could  something like this be done using an animation, then export the  animation to images?"
    My imagination doesn't lead me to a solution using the animation features. How about a custom Command that creates an instant mask with shadow? Let's say I've got a stack of Bitmaps sitting on the canvas. I hide all but the one on top, and then draw a shape I want to mask them with. I'll use a star Auto Shape as an example. If I Shift + Select the bitmap and the star Auto shape, and then choose Modify > Mask > Group as Mask, the bitmap gets clipped to the shape of the star, and the Group as Mask step gets recorded by the History panel. If I then select the now star shaped bitmap, I can add a drop shadow to it. The drop shadow step is also recorded by the History panel. If I Shift + Select the two steps that were recorded in the History panel, [Group + Set LIve Filter] I can click on the Save as Command icon at the bottom of the History panel, give my new Command a name (I'll use Shadow Mask), and then save it to the FW Commands list.
    Once my command is available, I can use it as follows.
    -Choose Modify > Ungroup to ungroup my original bitmap/star mask group
    -Hide bitmap 1
    [note that the star shape is still sitting on top of the stack of  hidden  bitmaps]
    -Resize the star shape as I wish
    -Unhide bitmap number 2
    -Choose Select > Select All to select the star shape and the second bitmap.
    -Apply my custom "Shadow Mask" Command.
    -Export
    -Ungroup and follow the steps above to mask and export the images.
    It's still a bit fussy, but it saves a couple of steps. I'll bet someone could create an extension that makes it even easier.

  • Saving adjustment layers with layer mask

    Hello -
    I need to be able to save a curves adjustment layer WITH its layer mask.
    I have written a longish automatic applescript to process image files that are all identical in pixel dimension. Part of the script relies on Photoshop, where a number of actions take place. In one of the Photoshop actions, I need to load an adjustment layer with a precise layer mask. I realize that if a layer mask file is open I could write an action to load a selection from that file, but I very much want to avoid keeping a second file open, or forcing PS to open and close that file.
    Is there a simple way to "load" a layer mask into an adjustment layer?
    Thanks,
    - M

    Maybe you could do something like this...
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    CurveLayer();
    colourMask();
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    selectMask(true);
    var black = new SolidColor();
    black.rgb.hexValue = '000000';
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    var Height = activeDocument.height.as ('px');
    var stripWidth = Width/12;
    var Left = 0;
    var Top = 0;
    var Right =stripWidth;
    var Bottom = Height/2;
    for (var a =0;a<12;a++){
        activeDocument.selection.select([[Left,Top],[Right,Top],[Right,Bottom],[Left,Bottom]], SelectionType.REPLACE, 0, false);
       if( a % 2) activeDocument.selection.fill(black);
        Left +=stripWidth;
        Right +=stripWidth;
    var Left = 0;
    var Top = Height/2;
    var Right =stripWidth;
    var Bottom = Height;
    for (var a =0;a<12;a++){
        activeDocument.selection.select([[Left,Top],[Right,Top],[Right,Bottom],[Left,Bottom]], SelectionType.REPLACE, 0, false);
       if(a % 2){}else{ activeDocument.selection.fill(black);}
        Left +=stripWidth;
        Right +=stripWidth;
    activeDocument.selection.deselect();
    selectMask(false);
    function CurveLayer() {
        var desc3 = new ActionDescriptor();
            var ref1 = new ActionReference();
            ref1.putClass( charIDToTypeID('AdjL') );
        desc3.putReference( charIDToTypeID('null'), ref1 );
            var desc4 = new ActionDescriptor();
                var desc5 = new ActionDescriptor();
                desc5.putEnumerated( stringIDToTypeID('presetKind'), stringIDToTypeID('presetKindType'), stringIDToTypeID('presetKindDefault') );
            desc4.putObject( charIDToTypeID('Type'), charIDToTypeID('Crvs'), desc5 );
        desc3.putObject( charIDToTypeID('Usng'), charIDToTypeID('AdjL'), desc4 );
        executeAction( charIDToTypeID('Mk  '), desc3, DialogModes.NO );
    function selectMask(BOOL) {
        var desc184 = new ActionDescriptor();
            var ref84 = new ActionReference();
            ref84.putEnumerated( charIDToTypeID('Chnl'), charIDToTypeID('Chnl'), charIDToTypeID('Msk ') );
        desc184.putReference( charIDToTypeID('null'), ref84 );
        desc184.putBoolean( charIDToTypeID('MkVs'), BOOL );
        executeAction( charIDToTypeID('slct'), desc184, DialogModes.NO );

  • Resizing or moving an opacity mask along with the items inside it

    I'm trying to resize a opacity mask by doing
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      10, //scaleX,
      10, //scaleY,
      true, //[,changePositions]
      true, //[,changeFillPatterns]
      true, //[,changeFillGradients]
      true, //[,changeStrokePattern]
      0.1, //[,changeLineWidths]
    This resizes the item, but it does not resize the item inside it. I tried similar command with the translation command
    transMaskItem.translate(
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    100. //[,deltaY]
    True, //[,transformObjects]
    True, //[,transformFillPatterns]
    True, //[,transformFillGradients]
    True, //[,transformStrokePatterns])
    and similar thing happened. The item gets moved, but the object inside it doesn't.
    How do I resize or translate an opacity mask along with the items inside it?

    I see...it seems to be a bug, the actual mask gets ignored. Probably to be consistent with the user interface, you can not select the mask with the mouse either.
    maybe someone else has found a way to work with Opacity Masks, I haven't.
    as a side note, there's no need to select the objects in order to size them or move them, you can just reference them. Also, there's no "Selected" object, change that to "selection".

  • Move and/or Re-Size Opacity Mask with AppleScript

    apologies if this is regarded as a dual post. I saw a thread about this but it only related to JavaScript.
    Anyway, I cannot seem to re-scale or move the Opacity Mask of an object with Applescript. The vector item will behave just as it should, but the Opacity Mask will remain in place. As you can imagine, I have tried all manner of solutions, from trying to select raster items to move with transforming, etc. and nothing has worked. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    I see...it seems to be a bug, the actual mask gets ignored. Probably to be consistent with the user interface, you can not select the mask with the mouse either.
    maybe someone else has found a way to work with Opacity Masks, I haven't.
    as a side note, there's no need to select the objects in order to size them or move them, you can just reference them. Also, there's no "Selected" object, change that to "selection".

  • Opacity Masks in cs4 can't find layers with main objects on it.

    I created image with flag and did clipping mask with some text. Now when I do a opacity mask my other layers disappear and i can't seem to bring them back. I use the transparency to mask and clip. After that my layers with the first original items I can't find them or get back to them. Can someone tell how I can resolve this problem.
    Thank you!

    Once you start editing your opacity mask, you have to go back into normal editing mode by clicking on the object on the left side in the transparency panel.  Click on the right to edit the mask, click on the left to get back out of that to editing the rest of your document.  It's a bit confusing the way it's set up - there's no obvious indication that you're editing your mask and are isolated from the rest of your document...

  • How do I import an image with an opacity mask from AI into FW

    I have created a graphic in AI which contains several images with associated opacity masks. The mask use a radial gradient to achieve the desired effect. I am unable to import these images into FW with the mask effects intact even though the layers appear to be there. What am I doing wrong? I don't see away to do it in FW directly. If there's a work-around that would be appreciated too.

    Fireworks' masking is pretty good. If you have your object and your mask in FW, arrange the objects so that the mask is above the object, select both, then click on
    Modify > Mask > Group as Mask
    Where the mask is white, your object will be fully opaque. Where the mask is black or 100% transparent, your object will be fully transparent. Where the mask is grey or partially transparent, your object will be, as well, proportionally to the grey level/transparency level in the mask.
    Fireworks also has some built-in masks to fade objects radially or linearly. In CS3, these are under
    Commands > Creative > Fade Image
    but they got moved someplace else for CS4. I can't find the info on that in the help, though, sorry. Oh wait. It might be the Auto Vector Masks:
    http://help.adobe.com/en_US/Fireworks/10.0_Using/WS29D46793-C43E-4941-960E-F238FB1977C8.ht ml
    Mask info here:
    CS3: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/Fireworks/9.0/help.html?content=frw_layers_la_19.html
    CS4: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/Fireworks/10.0_Using/WS4c25cfbb1410b0021e63e3d1152b00d169-8000 .html

  • Layers & stuck in opacity mask layer CS6

    Hi,
    I have two layers. Upper most with text is locked.
    Bottom layer is an image I have applied a transparency/gradient mask for the raster image. Now, seems my layers palette is stuck in a mode called 'Layers (Opacity Mask)'.
    Not seen this before, but this is CS6. How do I get out to the main, root level of the layers palette?
    thanks!

    In the Transparancy Panel, select the left icon.
    You have select the right icon (to edit the Transparancy mask)
    regards,
    Ton

  • Opacity mask with gradient not printable?

    I am trying to use a background in Illustrator that is made from a new effect called Opacity Masks in Creative Cloud.
    It groups two layers which can have transparent areas and then gradates them with a gradient. They grow gradually more transparent revealing the surface of the tube below. My printer says I cannot do this on flex press. Will not work in pre-press? Is this true?

    Opacity Masks have been available in AI since at least CS3. CC might have made them easier to work with, but they're not new. They may have to be "flattened" to separate correctly.

  • Logo with Gradient Opacity Mask, file format

    Hi there,
    This is now a very well known and certainly answered already question but:
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    This is nice if your a designer and have a recent Illustrator version. But what format use to distribute the vector file that will be imported in any publishing application and keep the transparency working?
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    Richard

    Thanks for your usefull link Mordy.
    After years of design, I keep learning more and more and trying to stay up to date.
    Actually, I'd say that logo using transparency rely on too recent technology and might be difficult to reproduce anywhere.
    Giving away a pdf file could be a solution, but I don't know if pdf can be easely imported in any publishing application.
    Richard

  • Opacity mask is also knocking out drop shadow. Grrr.

    Hi everyone,
    I'm having a problem with Illustrator CS6 that's really bugging me and there must be a simple fix that I'm missing.
    I have editable text with a linked opacity mask. The opacity mask contains strokes with an art brush applied to 'scratch' out parts of the text.
    See below for example:
    I don't want the opacity mask to knock out the drop shadow (much like how "Layer Knocks Out Drop Shadow" works in Photoshop), but just knock out the text only. See below for an example of what I want the end result to be:
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    I know one workaround is that I could convert the text to outlines, make it a compound path, expand the strokes on the opacity mask, make those a compound path too, and then Subtract/Minus Front the scratches from the text object and then reapply the drop shadow, BUT, this renders the text uneditable.
    I've tried playing with the options in the Transparency panel, ie: Opacity & Mask Define Knockout Shape but nothing has worked.
    What am I missing??
    Thanks so much in advance for your help!!
    Cheryl

    Hi Jacob,
    Thanks so much for the detailed instructions. I get through step 4 no problems but I run into problems with the way I try to select the items for step 5.
    Let's say I have completed step 4 and am ready to begin step 5. When I am in my Layers panel, I select the scratches that are now masked by the non-drop shadowed text:
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    The problem begins when I have to effectively shift-select the mask and the live text from 1 (the original text with the drop shadow).
    To begin, I still have the opacity mask selected (as shown above) and then when I click the left object preview box (as circled below)
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  • Clipping with multiple masks

    Is there a way to clip an object with multiple masks? For example, with the outlined letters of a word?
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    Eugene

    Eugene,
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