Clipping Masks

You can mask text or shapes with images in Corjl with our Clipping Mask feature. This can be used to apply textures such as glittler or foil to text, or to apply photos to the shapes provided in the Shapes section ( Shapes icon tab, under the Images section).

Please note: When downloading designs as a PDF that use a clipping mask, it is recommended to select the Flatten PDF option (under Saving and Printing Options in the Info tab). Some PDF viewers don’t support clipping masks, so flattening the layers before downloading as a PDF eliminates problems that you/your customers may have when viewing their download.

Clipping Masks for Text

In the tools panel, drag the image layer right above the text layer, then right click on the image layer and select Create Clipping Mask. Be sure to lock the top image layer so that the customer can select the text underneath to edit. To release the clipping mask, right click on the masked image layer in the tools panel and select Release Clipping Mask. 

Please Note: If you see a visible outline around the text after applying the mask, change the color of the text to match the image being clipped to the text, or lower the opacity of the text to "0" (zero).

Clipping Masks for Photos Using Shapes

The clipping mask feature is only compatible with the shapes provided in the Basic Shapes category found in the Shapes tab (see tab with the shapes icon, under Images). 

In the tools panel, drag the image layer right above the shape layer, then right-click on the image layer and select Create Clipping Mask. 

Make sure that BOTH the shape and clipped image remain unlocked in the layers panel so that customers can select, replace and resize the image. If desired, you can use the Freeze feature to keep the shape from being moved or deleted. To release the clipping mask, right-click on the masked image layer in the tools panel and select Release Clipping Mask. 

Please Note: If you see an outline around the edge of the shape after applying the clipping mask, you can do one of the following: 

• Change the color of the Shape layer to more closely match the background color (for example, a light gray on a white background)
• Select the shape layer and uncheck the "Fill" button
• Lower the opacity of the Shape layer

Troubleshooting:

If your Image on the Artboard/Canvas is not above the Shape you are trying to clip into the image will "disappear" since it does not auto-move to the shape. You can simply use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move the Image over the Shape. Another option is to "release clipping mask" and then make sure your Image is on top of the Shape you want to clip it to then "make clipping mask".