Select the object or group that you want to mask using the Selection tool.
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2026
Learn how to use opacity masks to control the transparency of artwork in Adobe Illustrator.
Opacity masks use the transparency values of one object to control the visibility of another object. White areas reveal artwork, black areas hide it, and gray areas create varying levels of transparency.
Create an opacity mask
Select Window > Transparency.
From the Transparency panel, select Show Options if thumbnails aren't visible.
Double-click the empty area to the right of the artwork thumbnail.
Draw the masking object.
Apply fills, strokes, or gradients to control the transparency.
Select the thumbnail in the Transparency panel to exit mask-editing mode.
Note
You can't enter Isolation mode while editing an opacity mask. Exit mask-editing mode before using Isolation mode.
Create an opacity mask from existing objects
Arrange the masking object above the artwork that you want to mask.
Select both objects.
In the Transparency panel, select Make Opacity Mask from the panel menu.
The topmost object becomes the opacity mask. Illustrator automatically converts the mask to grayscale to determine the transparency levels.
Edit an opacity mask
In the Transparency panel, select the mask thumbnail.
(Optional) Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) and select the mask thumbnail to hide all other artwork while editing the mask.
Edit the mask using any Illustrator drawing or editing tools.
Select the artwork thumbnail to return to the artwork.
Unlink or relink an opacity mask
In the Layers panel, target the masked artwork.
In the Transparency panel, click the link icon between the thumbnails to unlink, or click the empty space to relink.
When the mask is unlinked, you can move or transform the artwork independently of the mask.
Deactivate or reactivate an opacity mask
Target the masked artwork in the Layers panel.
Shift-click the mask thumbnail in the Transparency panel.
A red X appears over the mask thumbnail when the mask is deactivated. The mask remains in the document and can be enabled again at any time.
Remove an opacity mask
Target the masked artwork in the Layers panel.
In the Transparency panel, select Release Opacity Mask from the panel menu.
The masking object is restored as a regular object above the artwork.
Change opacity mask behavior
After you create an opacity mask, you can modify how it affects the artwork.
|
Option |
Description |
|
Clip |
Crops the masked artwork to the boundaries of the masking object. To make this the default, choose New Opacity Masks Are Clipping from the Transparency panel menu. |
|
Invert Mask |
Reverses the transparency values of the mask. To make this the default, choose New Opacity Masks Are Inverted from the Transparency panel menu. |
Tip
If you're using black objects, such as black text, as the masking object with Clip selected, the objects won't be visible because of the black background. Use a different color or deselect Clip.
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