CanvasRenderingContext2D.clip()

The CanvasRenderingContext2D.clip() method of the Canvas 2D API turns the current or given path into the current clipping region. It replaces any previous clipping region.

In the image below, the red outline represents a clipping region shaped like a star. Only those parts of the checkerboard pattern that are within the clipping region get drawn.

Note: Be aware that the clipping region is only constructed from shapes added to the path. It doesn't work with shape primitives drawn directly to the canvas, such as fillRect(). Instead, you'd have to use rect() to add a rectangular shape to the path before calling clip().

Syntax

void ctx.clip([fillRule]);
void ctx.clip(path [, fillRule]);

Parameters

fillRule
The algorithm by which to determine if a point is inside or outside the clipping region. Possible values:
path
A Path2D path to use as the clipping region.

Examples

A simple clipping region

This example uses the clip() method to create a clipping region according to the shape of a circular arc. Two rectangles are then drawn; only those parts within the clipping region are rendered.

HTML

<canvas id="canvas"></canvas>

JavaScript

The clipping region is a full circle, with its center at (100, 75), and a radius of 50.

const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');

// Create circular clipping region
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.arc(100, 75, 50, 0, Math.PI * 2);
ctx.clip();

// Draw stuff that gets clipped
ctx.fillStyle = 'blue';
ctx.fillRect(0, 0, canvas.width, canvas.height);
ctx.fillStyle = 'orange';
ctx.fillRect(0, 0, 100, 100);

Result

Specifying a path and a fillRule

This example saves two rectangles to a Path2D object, which is then made the current clipping region using the clip() method. The "evenodd" rule creates a hole where the clipping rectangles intersect; by default (with the "nonzero" rule), there would be no hole.

HTML

<canvas id="canvas"></canvas>

JavaScript

const canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');

// Create clipping path
let region = new Path2D();
region.rect(80, 10, 20, 130);
region.rect(40, 50, 100, 50);
ctx.clip(region, "evenodd");

// Draw stuff that gets clipped
ctx.fillStyle = 'blue';
ctx.fillRect(0, 0, canvas.width, canvas.height);

Result

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
HTML Living Standard
The definition of 'CanvasRenderingContext2D.clip' in that specification.
Living Standard

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
clipChrome Full support YesEdge Full support 12Firefox Full support 1.5IE Full support YesOpera Full support YesSafari Full support YesWebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support YesSafari iOS Full support YesSamsung Internet Android Full support Yes
Path parameterChrome ? Edge Full support ≤18Firefox Full support 31IE No support NoOpera ? Safari Full support 7WebView Android ? Chrome Android ? Firefox Android Full support 31Opera Android ? Safari iOS Full support 8Samsung Internet Android ?

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support
Compatibility unknown
Compatibility unknown

See also