Create knockout shapes

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to create knockout shapes using opacity masks and transparency settings to hide or reveal parts of your artwork.

You can use opacity masks or transparent images to create knockout shapes with both vector and raster artwork. This lets you control how grouped objects are hidden or revealed based on the transparency of a masking object.

For example, a gradient-masked object can knock out parts of the underlying artwork, creating a smooth, shaded transparency effect.

Select your masking artwork and select Window > Transparency to open the Transparency panel.

Select Make Mask in the Transparency panel.

Select your masked shape and all the underlying artwork you want to be affected by the knockout using the Selection tool.

Select Object > Group to group the selected artwork.

Tip

You can also group a transparent bitmap image with your artwork to use its transparency as a knockout shape.

Select the grouped artworks and select Knockout Group until the option displays a checkmark in the Transparency panel.

Select Window > Layers. Expand the group and select only the artwork with the masking.

Select Opacity & Mask Define Knockout Shape in the Transparency panel to apply an opacity mask and knockout a shape.

The canvas displays a knocked-out shape, Layers panel, and the Transparency panel open with the Opacity & Mask Define Knockout Shape option selected. — Create a knockout effect in grouped artwork using the mask’s shape and transparency.

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Deactivate, reactivate, or remove opacity masks

Create transparency knockout groups

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