Clipping Mask Effects in Fireworks CS4?

Hello everyone,
I was initially trained on Adobe Illustrator, and over time
have gotten very pretty comfortable with it. Not too long ago I
started making mock ups in Illustrator, and would use the crop tool
to export particular pieces (buttons and banners) of my mock up
into Dreamweaver tables.
But I recently got CS4, and now I'm all screwed up!
Unlike CS3, CS4 Illustrator does not appear to have the crop
area function. I can no longer export select pieces of my artwork.
I recently found out that this 'crop area' feature exists in
Fireworks CS4, so lately I've been trying to learn fireworks.
The problem I have with fireworks though, is that there
doesn't seem to be a clipping mask feature. I did stumble upon
something called 'group as mask' under the modify menu. But I don't
understand it's function, as it works nothing at all like
Illustrators clipping mask.
Clipping mask is such a useful design feature, and I can't
bear the thought of doing without it.
I'm relatively new to graphic and web design, so here's to
hoping some experienced users can help me out with this!
Cheers,
Cory
PS: Please don't tell me the solution to all this is
photoshop! So tired of switching applications :)

CoryPatrick wrote:
> Hello everyone,
>
> I was initially trained on Adobe Illustrator, and over
time have gotten very
> pretty comfortable with it. Not too long ago I started
making mock ups in
> Illustrator, and would use the crop tool to export
particular pieces (buttons
> and banners) of my mock up into Dreamweaver tables.
>
> But I recently got CS4, and now I'm all screwed up!
>
> Unlike CS3, CS4 Illustrator does not appear to have the
crop area function. I
> can no longer export select pieces of my artwork.
>
> I recently found out that this 'crop area' feature
exists in Fireworks CS4, so
> lately I've been trying to learn fireworks.
>
> The problem I have with fireworks though, is that there
doesn't seem to be a
> clipping mask feature. I did stumble upon something
called 'group as mask'
> under the modify menu. But I don't understand it's
function, as it works
> nothing at all like Illustrators clipping mask.
>
> Clipping mask is such a useful design feature, and I can
bear the thought of
> doing without it.
>
> I'm relatively new to graphic and web design, so here's
to hoping some
> experienced users can help me out with this!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Cory
>
> PS: Please don't tell me the solution to all this is
photoshop! So tired of
> switching applications :)
>
I doubt you'll find many - if any - telling you the answer is
Photoshop
in this forum. ;-)
The term clipping mask isn't really part of the FW
vocabulary, but FW
works very well with vectors and that is pretty much what a
clipping
mask is - a path used to mask part of an image.
FW can mask objects using vectors or bitmaps. Here's some
instructions
to create a simple vector mask.
Open an image in FW.
Select the Rectangle tool from the Vector tool area of the
Tools panel.
Draw a rectangle.
position it where you want the mask to be.
Cut the rectangle (Ctrl+X or Command+X for Mac)
Select the image using the Pointer tool.
Go to Edit > Paste as Mask.
Your image is now masked by a vector. Both objects remain
editable.
There is much more you can do; this is just a simple example.
Jim Babbage - .:Community MX:. & .:Adobe Community
Expert:.
http://www.communityMX.com/
CommunityMX - Free Resources:
http://www.communitymx.com/free.cfm
.:Adobe Community Expert for Fireworks:.
Adobe Community Expert
http://tinyurl.com/2a7dyp
.:Author:.
Lynda.com -
http://movielibrary.lynda.com/authors/author/?aid=188
Peachpit Press -
http://www.peachpit.com/authors/bio.aspx?a=d98ed798-5ef0-45a8-a70d-4b35fa14c9a4
Layers Magazine -
http://www.layersmagazine.com/author/jim-babbage

Similar Messages

Is there a fix for the slow processing yet? Clipping mask slows down Illustrator CS4 to the point it can't be used

I've seen a few older posts regarding CS4's bug with applying a clipping mask to any image that is somewhat complex, but have yet to find an answer.
The problem is, any time a clipping mask is applied to a semi-complex shape, Illustrator CS4 slows almost to a halt. We're talking 10 minutes of the beach ball to apply the mask and then another few minutes to do anything else with the document. This is unacceptable. My system is loaded (Dual 1.8 GHz G5, 1.25 GB of memory). The exact same files process fine in CS3. Many of our other designers are running iMacs and cannot work on the files at all using CS4. There has to be an answer to this problem.
Prefs have been deleted, Document Raster Effects has been lowered. Any other suggestions?
Your help is greatly appreciated.

My system is loaded (Dual 1.8 GHz G5, 1.25 GB of memory).
Uhm.. that's "loaded"? That's like the slowest G5 made with almost the minimum amount of RAM.
But.. I agree with you. Clipping masks seems to drastically slow CS4 down. Even if an object isn't really complex, but included many objects. I'm running a much faster system than you are and I have to wait around 3 to 10 seconds after any operation for some files. It's annoying. So far, I've not found any solution other than to expand and clip the masks.

Does a Clipping Mask effect just one layer?

Hello everyone ... Level: Newbie OS: Win7 64bit Ia: Cs6
Once I use a Clipping Mask on a layer is the entire document covered in a mask?
And/or is all the artwork from then on inside the mask?
I've read about how to add and how to remove art from a mask. I've read about how to make and release and lots of other things.
So, then I went and found a lesson that contained the use of a Clipping Mask.
But I'm stuck... again.
I am suppose to Select the main shape and "just" copy it and move it down (doesn't say rather to Paste in front or back but I assumed in back ~ not that it has mattered thus far)
However, while making the main shape I used Gradient Mesh and used an Offset to create a "replica" and so when I go to Select the main shape the mesh is selected and so when I Paste (in back ~ seems most logical) and then move it down the details such as the colors of the Gradient and other such things are visible in front ~ ??
So, I have been trying to abate my problem in lots of different ways.
I have tried using the Pen tool to draw behind the main shape, I've tried making a New Layer and placing it above and below and inbetween the main shape layer, I've tried adding the artwork to the Mask ... I've tried everything I can think of and I've been through many an article in the manual and FAQ's to no avail.
I suppose, what I think I need to know ... is, how ... how on earth do I draw behind this main shape? Am I not able to do it becuase I am not getting behind the Mask?
(Let me apologise to those that HATE it when Newbies follow lessons/tuts and who HATE it when we come here to ask for help. I'm doing my best to learn and to find answers on my own before heading here for help)
Please lmk if you would be better able to help me with pictures of my layers and the art. Thanx so much for your time!!

Thanks as well for your patience with me! It can be difficult to communicate this way, but all we can do is try our best.
As for the issue regarding the author's "main shape"...
Here I have an object with a gradient mesh:
If you follow the directions in step 3 of the tutorial, the author creates a duplicate by going to Object > Path > Offset Path.
And then inputs "0" for the offset value.
I shifted my original gradient-meshed object down a little bit, and there you can see is the simple shape that you were seeing in the author's image. Then they just filled it with that gold gradient and scaled it down.
And as for clipping masks...
As I mentioned before, a clipping mask will only affect the objects and groups you had selected when you created it. For exhaustive information about clipping masks, see this link: http://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/clipping-masks.html
I hope this was helpful! Good luck!

CS4 Clipping Mask vignette effect

Not being able to use AI CS4 enough as I ran into a problem. I had to recreate a logo and add a clipping mask in AI. I know how to do this in Photoshop but I must keep the file in vector format. I finally found a good tutorial on this and was able to create the mask in AI which is now a circle but I need to give the circle a vignette effect. I'm going to try messing with the filters to acheive this but would like to know the correct way to do.
Anyone?
RD

In the gradient panel, you see a radial gradient that would also work, set it to multiply for best results.
if you have created a clipping mask around your image, you should be looking at some variation of this:
Put your vignette in that same group either by isolation mode or by selecting it and dragging it's little dot (shown blue in my screenshot) into that group. You want it above the image.

[CS4] Clipping Mask issue (bug?) - Beachball when I try to select masked group

I have a somewhat complex compound path (1400 points) that I've duplicated several times and clipped. I want to make a second copy of this clipped set of objects. When I try to select the group that contains the clipping mask (with the selection tool or in the layers palette) illustrator chugs for over a minute. Once it's done chugging and I have my group selected I hit copy and paste. It chugs for another minute and then does nothing but deselect my group.
I saved the file down into CS3 format and opened it in CS3. I have no trouble with copy, paste, select, scale, or anything when I'm in CS3 - no slowdown at all. I saved the file in CS3 and opened the CS3 format file in CS4 and I still have the beachball/chug problem.
I'd like to note that the trouble begins only when I apply the clipping mask. I can select all those objects and copy/paste/rotate/scale/whatever until I apply a mask and then I can't do anything to them. The clipping mask itself is rather simple - only 26 points.
I'm on a G5 with 8gigs of RAM and over 30gigs of available space in my scratch disc. Any advice or any other users who've had this problem?

No that is not true and you know CS 3 does not come close to CS4 in performance and if I were you I would download the trial, although I have feeling you do not have the resources to to actually run the program and that has you quite miffed,
Perhaps the next release will finally release you, so long!
Tracy I found that there s a setting that is on by default in CS 4 that would make things go a bit slow and always has if selected by the user.
Clearly a mistake I would think but for some reason the default settings for the raster effects is 300 ppi as opposed to 72 ppi which really many times will eat up the memory no matter how much you have, and Illustrator can only use a limited amount of RAM something like 2GB, so that the amount of RAM is not the issue and the scratch could be as wide open as possible but it still will choke.
It may not have the resource to as in your case make a review. So I would try setting the document raster image effects setting to 72 ppi and then when outputting it change it to 300ppi or tell the printer to do so.
Hans I am sure you will now be relieved to find out that CS4 is behaving as it should with the right setting.
Enjoy the trial it is free. You are going to love CS 4.
I am mistaken Tracy and Hans CS 3 also has the default setting at 300 ppi I should have checked first.
Yes Hans this might be an issue that is a strike against CS4 on large complex projects
I am certain it was good idea to change the clipping path behavior. The question is how big or complex does the file have to be before this happens.
Hans you should still try the trial and see for yourself. Of course if you don't have the resources it might be difficult to load the trial.
I would still try changing the setting to 722 ppi and changing it for output after the work has been completed.
Yes I think you found and important bug.

Help Recreating Drop Shadow Effect from Clipping Mask

A few months ago I created the image attached. Today for the life of me I cannot create a similar effect, where the drop shadow of the text comes from the clipping mask. Everytime I try to follow the same steps and layer styles I keep getting a normal black drop shadow not a drop shadow that comes from the clipping mask like in my example. Help please I am driving myself crazy!!!

Thanks JJMack and PCTGraphic !
PCTGraphic converting the text layer to a smart object is what I seemed to be missing (and what I believe I did in the attached picture as well). Thanks for the reminder!
JJMack I really appreciate your answer as well (there's always more than way of doing things), but I know I didn't use a vector mask originally. Unfortunately, I do not know how to add text to a vector mask. I would like to learn how to do it your way, I will work on that (the screen shot will help, thank you)!

Using "transform-effect copies" as a clipping mask

1. I have a box shape, with a transform effect applied on it that copies the box 5 times horizontally.
2. I want to use these 6 boxes as a clipping mask.
3. How do I:
a) Directly use this object as a clipping mask? Doesn't look like it's possible. When I try it only uses the original single box as the mask. The other 5 boxes disappear.
b) "Break" the box shape object into 6 separate boxes so that they're no longer "phantom copies" but individual objects that I can then group to form a real clipping mask.

Thank you, that worked (at least for B).
Since Expand Appearance permanently breaks the object, does that mean that A isn't possible? (where I can keep the original object intact as 1 box with 5 copies and still act as a clipping mask)

[AI CS4 Mac] How to Create a Layer Clipping Mask?

Hi Folks,
How does one go about creating a layer clipping mask using the SDK?
What I want to do is to simulate clicking on the "Make/Release Clipping Mask" button (the left-most picture button) that is at the bottom of the Layers Panel.
Thanks!
-- Jim

Clipping masks work, but they can be a little clunky (as you might tell from their weird way of being set up). You might find opacity masks more flexible. An opacity mask is basically a group attached to a layer, in which you store paths that represent holes in the mask. These holes have an opacity value for how much shows through. So anything in the mask group is a hole (there can be many) and anything in the layer (as normal) shows through those holes. Setting it up is simpler but it depends on the kind of clipping you're trying to do which is easier. We find it easier when doing knockouts for labels on lines, but clipping paths are also possible, just a little more annoying.

Is there a tutorial on making a Mask,Or Clipping Mask for CS4?

I have imported a file of a sheet of music,and all I want is the sheet, not the background. Easy to do so in PS. I didn't know I could "print screen" directly into .AI and I've tried making a clipping mask so I could use the sheet as a background to no avail. Really appreciate the help.....thanks...mm

Let's see you can lock the art or image of the sheet music in the layers panel and the freely use the pen tool on top of it.
You can group if you wish the art for sheet music and then center that within the artboard then lock the grup in the layers panel and freely work ove the locked group.
you select that group and drag it into the symbols panel and make it a symbol and that would protect it even further and you also lock that symbol.
You can edit the art of the symbol without undoing the clipping path by editing the symbol.
Might be a good option.
The shape you make for the clipping mask ca be selected along with the and the option to aline to artboard chosen then center the two horizontally and vertical or just one direction.
Does this help?
Oh, yes once you have the masked art you can turn that art into a symbol s well place and position it anyway you want then if it has to be different fro the other sheets break the link to the parent symbol and make that a symbol as well.

Clipping mask, object too complex, can't use bitmap either

Hi all,
I'm in Illustrator CS4 trying to make a page that has content that I want to embed within a rounded rectangle. Sounds easy enough.
I've been successful sticking some content into a rounded rectangle, until now. Now I have a page that apparently is "too complex". It has lots of transparencies and gradients and such. Once I try to do the clipping mask thing I am told it's very complex and may not print or work right. I go ahead anyway and it just looks blank/invisible.
Then I thought artboards might be a way to do this, but I couldn't see how you could make an artboard that is a shape other than a rectangle (I'd like a rounded rectangle).
So then I thought if export the image to a bitmap and then repaste it in, maybe I could embed the bitmap into the rounded rectangle. Pain in the butt, but I'm looking for any solution. But that doesn't even work because it says the top selected object must be "a path, a compound shape, a text object, or a group of those". So a bitmap can't be used
Has anyone had more luck with this? In CorelDraw I've always just placed objects, no matter how complex, into a "container" without any issues. Certainly there's a way to do the same here. This drawing isn't *that* complex.
Thanks in advance for your advice!

Check your flattener settings in the prefs, specific flattening options of your object groups and also the raster effects resolution for your document. Reduccing their dpi should make working possible.
Mylenium

Fireworks CS4 Sucks

I installed Fireworks CS4 on my Mac.
The text engine is all kinds of screwed up, and after working
on a website layout for 5 hours (saving regularly), Fireworks
crashed, corrupting my file in the process.
I'm uninstalling Fireworks and reinstalling CS3.
This is just plain unacceptable from a company like Adobe. If
the product isn't ready, don't release it.

I gotta vote yea for fireworks cs4 as well.
I use it for quick bevels, alpha glows, buttons, textures, text, photo tweaking and alpha masking. Quick is the keyword.
I do not use it for layout design.
I come from a dreamweaver/fireworks history. I now am getting into after effects for animated banners.
I personally prefere fireworks over photoshop and illistrator, although a text extruder in fireworks would be nice as well as 3D rotation.
I have not had the struggle with crashes that i read about here.
I Have had a lot of problems with Microsoft's Expression suite.
In fact i have abandoned working with the microsoft product at all for now.
But!!!! I am about ready to upgrade my PC and laptop to win 7. If something goes wrong, I'll probably blame Microsoft and not Adobe. That tells me that i'm biased in favor of Adobe.
Any way good luck people!
Jerry C

Live type as clipping mask is inaccurate

The clipping mask made from editable type seems to be inaccurate. When I either paste and object inside live type or use Clipping Mask > Make the paths don't match up (see screenshot).
When I convert the type to outlines, the paths are accurate.
Is there a way around this?
[Illustrator CS5 15.0.2, Mac OS X 10.6.2]

Happens to me in CS4
Assign Effect >> Path >> Outline Object as per jacob's suggestion, make sure outline object is under type in the appearance palette, so it is assigned to the entire type object and not just the fill.

Logo with gradient clipping mask into InDesign?

Hi all,
I have a quick question—I am using CS4 (illustrator & InDesign) on a Mac OSX platform.
QUESTION: I have a one-colour logotype (just text) that fades into transparency (a gradient clipping mask applied to the type in Illustrator). I would like to verify how I should properly prepare and import this logo into InDesign—to be sure I do not lose the actual transparency effect on various pages when applied in my InDesign book.
Thanks kindly,
Chemol

Hi Bob, thank you for your response—I meant to say my mask was an "opacity mask" (applied in the transparency panel) does that make a difference? Will the opacity still work in InDesign as an ai placed link?
Also, does it matter if I just copy the logo in illustrator, then past it into InDesign? (or is that a poor methodology?)
Thanks kindly,
Chemol

Have problem inporting vectors image from illustractor to fireworks cs4

Ever time try take vector image in to fireworks cs4 the frost on the hot chocolate up is missing but leave cup and chocolate parts I don't understand why the wip frost will not going in fireworks cs4.
here image of vectore try import and file maybe someone else can get and let know how do it
http://cid-e07bb1a42b9c4108.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/.Public/shutterstock%5E_9521005%20 [Converted].eps

Well, you had a Gradient Mesh in Illustrator.
This gives trouble to Fireworks, as it can't render it properly. The trick is to first convert the Gradient Mesh in Illustrator to some sort of a bitmap (yes, I know, vectors are lost, but...) then re-save file and open in Fireworks and you're done!
I think I converted the Gradient Mesh obect to a Clipping Mask but I suppose you can convert to something else. The point is to not have a gradient mesh, but a bitmap object...
Hope this helps!

I can't get clipping mask to work

I'm adding stars to the sky. I did this by making a custom brush and painting on a blank layer above my image layer. To make it look more realistic I want to add a bit of color. So I add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer and colorize to get the desired hue. This is where I run into trouble. I only want the adjustment layer to affect the stars I painted on and not the rest of the image so I apply a clipping mask to the Hue/Saturation layer (which is directly above my stars layer.) When I do this the color disappears completely and does not affect any part of the image. Any ideas why this isn't working? I also had the same problem when I applied a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer. I have Photoshop CC (same issue is present in both the 2014 and previous versions) for Mac.

This is my desired end effect. I worked around it by creating a layer mask from the stars layer but the clipping mask not working is still an issue.
I created new Hue/Saturation layers and put them above the stars layer. The adjustment layer changes the color of the entire image including the stars.
Once I clip the layers none of the image is affected, not even the stars, when it should be affecting only the stars.

Clipping Mask Effects in Fireworks CS4?

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