Apply, modify, or remove a clipping path

A clipping path is a path or shape that is applied to another object, hiding the parts of the object that fall outside the clipping path. To create clipping paths that are more complex than a simple path, ellipse, or rectangle, you can use the Microsoft Expression Blend combining tools. For more information, see "Combining paths" in Drawing shapes and paths.

To apply a clipping path

1. Select the path or shape that you want to clip, hold CTRL, and then select the object that you want to convert into a clipping path.

2. On the Object menu, point to Path, and click Make Clipping Path.

To modify a clipping path

1. Select the clipping path object.

2. In the Tools panel, select Direct Selection . The points of your path object are identified on the artboard by small squares.

3. On the artboard, use your mouse to drag, or ALT+drag, individual points and line segments to new locations. You can also select Pen  to add or remove points on the path. For a list of the different ways that you can modify a path, see Direct Selection tool modifier keys and Pen tool modifier keys.

To remove a clipping path

1. Select the object that is being clipped.

2. On the Object menu, point to Path, and then click Remove Clipping Path.

See also

Tasks

Animate the points on a path or clipping path
Add or remove a point on a path

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