Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 9/14/2008

Question
Hi Kevin,
I have several layers open in Adobe Illustrator.
What I would like to do is cut out an exact circle (4.5 in dia) from every layer.  But I don't want to flatten the layers.

The way I've been doing this is flatting the image by saving it as jpeg.  Opening it in Photoshop then cutting out a circle.  This is very very sad approach.

Isn't there an easier/better way??  

Answer
Hi Josh,

Create your circle on the top most layer. Make sure it is on the top of the layer order. Then you will need to duplicate the circle to every layer in your doc. Hold opt/alt and drag the item into the other layers to duplicate, making sure it is in the top of each layer.

Next, you are going to create a clipping mask on each layer. At the bottom of the layers palette, there is a button for creating a clipping mask. Select each individual layer and hit this button. Since the circle is the first shape in the layer, it uses that shape to create the mask. Repeat for each layer, and the circle shape will cut out the remainder of the layer. Don't worry, its not permanent, you can toggle this button on and off.

Thanks

Kevin