# Groups, clipping masks and compound paths

> Group objects in PlexiiDraw and work inside them in isolation mode, clip artwork to a shape, cut holes with compound paths, and lock or hide objects.

Source: https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-groups-masks-compound-paths
Section: Office > PlexiiDraw
Plans: All plans
Updated: 2026-10-21

Groups keep objects together so they move as one. A clipping mask shows artwork only inside a shape, and a compound path turns overlapping shapes into one shape with holes. Lock and hide keep objects out of the way while you work on others.

## Before you start

- Groups, masks and compound paths are on every plan.
- Open an artwork. See [Start an artwork and set up the artboard](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-start-artwork).
- On Windows, press `Ctrl` for `⌘` and `Alt` for `⌥`.
- Groups and clipping masks need PlexiiDraw's newer drawing format. In a live session with someone on an older version of PlexiiDesk, they are greyed out. See [The PlexiiDraw file format and older versions](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-file-format-and-compatibility).

## Group objects

1. Select the objects. Hold `⇧` and click to add to the selection.
2. Press `⌘` `G`, or choose **Object** > **Group**.

They become one group. Drag any member and the whole group moves with it.

To take a group apart, select it and press `⇧` `⌘` `G`, or choose **Object** > **Ungroup**.

## Work inside a group

### Isolation mode

Double-click a group to go inside it. This is isolation mode: a bar along the top of the artboard shows that you are inside the group, and clicks select the objects inside the group. Press `Esc` to leave.

The **Object** menu also has **Isolate selected group** and **Exit isolation mode**.

### The Group selection tool

The **Group selection** tool has no key. Choose it in the toolbox.

1. Click a member of a group. Just that member is selected.
2. Click it again. Its whole group is selected.

## Clip artwork to a shape

A clipping mask shows the artwork below it only where the shape on top is.

1. Put the shape you want to clip with on top, such as a star over an ellipse.
2. Select both.
3. Press `⌘` `7`, or choose **Object** > **Clipping Mask** > **Make**.

The ellipse now shows only inside the star. To undo the mask and get both shapes back, select it and press `⌥` `⌘` `7`, or choose **Object** > **Clipping Mask** > **Release**.

## Make shapes with holes

A compound path joins shapes into one, with holes where they overlap.

1. Draw two circles, one inside the other, with the same centre.
2. Select both.
3. Press `⌘` `8`, or choose **Object** > **Compound Path** > **Make**.

You get a ring: one shape with a hole in the middle. To split it apart again, press `⌥` `⇧` `⌘` `8`, or choose **Object** > **Compound Path** > **Release**. You get two separate shapes again, each with its own colour.

To cut one shape out of another and keep the result as a plain shape, use **Minus front** in Pathfinder instead. See [Vector tools and Pathfinder](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-vector-tools-and-pathfinder).

## Lock and hide objects

Lock objects you have finished with, or hide them to see what is behind.

| To do this | Mac | Windows | Menu |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Lock the selection | `⌘` `2` | `Ctrl` `2` | **Object** > **Lock** > **Selection** |
| Unlock everything | `⌥` `⌘` `2` | `Ctrl` `Alt` `2` | **Object** > **Unlock all** |
| Hide the selection | `⌘` `3` | `Ctrl` `3` | **Object** > **Hide** > **Selection** |
| Show everything | `⌥` `⌘` `3` | `Ctrl` `Alt` `3` | **Object** > **Show all** |

To lock or hide a whole layer, use the layers panel. See [Layers and blend modes](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-layers-and-blending).

## Common questions

**I dragged one shape and the others came with it.** They are in a group. Double-click the group to work inside it, or use the **Group selection** tool to pick one member.

**Group and Make clipping mask are greyed out.** If you are in a live session with someone on an older version of PlexiiDesk, these need the newer drawing format, which their version cannot read. Once they leave, your next edit saves the drawing in the newer format. See [The PlexiiDraw file format and older versions](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-file-format-and-compatibility).

**How do I get out of a group I double-clicked?** Press `Esc`.

**I cannot click a shape any more.** It may be locked. Press `⌥` `⌘` `2` to unlock everything.

## Related tasks

- [Transform and align objects](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-transform-and-align)
- [Vector tools and Pathfinder](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-vector-tools-and-pathfinder)
- [Layers and blend modes](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-layers-and-blending)
- [PlexiiDraw keyboard shortcuts](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-keyboard-shortcuts)
- [The PlexiiDraw file format and older versions](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-file-format-and-compatibility)
- [Place and import pictures, PDFs and SVGs](https://plexiidesk.com/help/draw-place-and-import)