What function does the Clipping Mask serve in Adobe Illustrator?

The Clipping Mask in Adobe Illustrator serves the purpose of hiding parts of an object that extend beyond a predefined shape. When a clipping mask is created, a selected object or group of objects becomes the 'mask', allowing only the areas of the underlying artwork that fall within the mask's boundaries to be visible. This functionality is particularly useful for creating complex designs where you want to display only certain areas of your artwork, effectively controlling visibility without permanently altering the underlying objects.

This technique is widely used for creating effects such as cutting shapes from images, framing artwork, or applying intricate patterns to specific regions. By encapsulating content within a defined shape, designers can maintain design flexibility and make adjustments easily without losing any original artwork.