Skip to main content
Studio instar
Studio instar
Participant
September 4, 2017
Answered

'draw in' tool missing / need to fill a vector shape with a photo

  • September 4, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 690 views

I am new to INdesign, tho I have a good basic skill at DTP and layout - so slowly getting to grips.

Here is what I am trying to do.....

I need to fill a vector shape or text with a photo image.  I have looked at a tutorial online to help me work this out, suggesting I use the 'draw in' tool to select the object - this tool should be located at the bottom left of my main tool box.  but I can't find it anywhere...

I have a couple of questions

1. Is the 'draw in' tool the best solution to my design need?  If not, do I have a better option to do this?

2.  If the 'draw in tool' is the best option, where can I find it and add it to my tool box? I have tried multiple settings and windows/tools etc....

Help greatly appreciated.... I am determined to crack this challenge.

Thanks,

Trish

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Jongware

    "Draw in" is not a phrase known to me -- are you translating from a non-English version? Perhaps you mean "paste into": Work with frames and objects in InDesign​?

    This is, in short, how it works: 1. copy any amount of text, or a single image; 2. select the empty free-form frame; 3. choose "Paste into". Simple as that!

    3 replies

    amaarora
    amaarora
    Inspiring
    September 4, 2017

    Hi,

    Another thing you can try...

    You can select the text and then using the Type menu use "Create Outline" for that.

    You can then place an image into that text

    -Aman

    Jongware
    Community Expert
    JongwareCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    September 4, 2017

    "Draw in" is not a phrase known to me -- are you translating from a non-English version? Perhaps you mean "paste into": Work with frames and objects in InDesign​?

    This is, in short, how it works: 1. copy any amount of text, or a single image; 2. select the empty free-form frame; 3. choose "Paste into". Simple as that!

    Steve Werner
    Community Expert
    Steve WernerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 4, 2017

    In Illustrator, there is a drawing mode called Draw Inside which can accompliesh what Paste Into does in InDesign. It's one of three buttons found at the very bottom of the Illustrator Tools panel (next to Draw Normal and Draw Behind).

      Jongware
      Community Expert
      JongwareCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      September 4, 2017

      Ah -- that explains why it's missing in InDesign

        BobLevine
        Community Expert
        BobLevineCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        September 4, 2017

        You can use any of the shape tools to create a frame or you can draw one free hand with the pen tool.

        Studio instar
        Studio instarAuthor
        Participant
        September 4, 2017

        Thanks for your response.  I have (for example) a paint splat which I wish to fill with a photo image - so not possible to recreate by drawing freehand. thanks.

        Bill Silbert
        Community Expert
        Bill SilbertCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        September 4, 2017

        In addition to what Bob said existing empty frames can have graphics imported into them using the Place command under the File Menu or with the keyboard command Command-D on a Mac or Control-D on a PC.

        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
        Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices