Clipping Path InDesign Exploring Skill up your graphics design

For any aspiring graphic designer, it is important you know that the Adobe Creative Suite features an array of programs, whether for web design, graphic design, professional photography, and so on. However, these graphic design products overlap in a lot of ways and functions. One of such functions where you find this overlap is the area of clipping paths. Sometimes, you can be confused as to which of the product is right for you. While many of the major graphic design products (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) can be used, let’s focus on the InDesign for the purpose of this article.

How it works

InDesign allows you to create clipping paths and also works with clipping paths already created and imported – whether in the form of JPEG, TIFF, Photoshop image Photoshop EPS. Regardless of the source of the clipping path, InDesign allows you to modify it. However, the easiest way that a clipping path can be added to an image is by creating the path in Photoshop, then import the image into InDesign.

Creating a clipping path in InDesign

Like already stated, anybody can create a clipping path in InDesign with the use of a drawing tool.

Here’s how:

• Choose File→ this should help you locate an image. Afterward, use the drawing tool to generate a path on the top of the image.
• Now, using the Selection tool, click to select the image of choice and then cut (this you can by choosing File→ Cut).
• Now select the shape you have just made and then choose Edit→ Paste Into.

Creating a clipping path with Photoshop and then import to InDesign

An alternative is to create the path on the image in Photoshop and then import into InDesign.

Here’s how:

After you have used the Path tool in Photoshop to create the path in the image and saved as a PSD, EPS, or TIFF file, import it into InDesign. To do this chooses File→ Place. This should take the Import Options dialog and select ‘Apply Photoshop Clipping Path‘. InDesign now clips the image accordingly.

Refining the path

After you have imported the image from Photoshop, InDesign allows you to alter its clipping path. To do this you use the direct selecting tool and select the image you intend to refine. The imported clipping path will appear. Now, you can click and drag on any points along the path in order to reshape and refine. This is fairly easy.

Every graphic designer knows and recognizes InDesign as one of the most important programs for graphic designs. It is important that you know the inside and out, as the program is gradually gaining popularity amongst other similar products. You can use it for editing and creation of all kinds of visually related materials. InDesign allows you to design virtually anything – from postcards to invitation, brochures, magazines, posters, and even books.

Never again should you be confused in the choice of Adobe Creative Suite programs to use for clipping paths.