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markj33000887
Participating Frequently
November 28, 2017
Question

how to knock out logo in indesign to see background

  • November 28, 2017
  • 6 replies
  • 5162 views

I've set up a layout with a patterned background, then a white box, with knock out text.  The text looks great with the patterend background coming through, but i need to add a logo to fit in with the same look.

I have tried turning it into an outline, which works but is not quite crisp enough.  Is there any easier, cleaner way to do it?

Thanks in advance!

This topic has been closed for replies.

6 replies

Mike Witherell
Community Expert
Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
Community Expert
November 29, 2017

No, don't copy n paste! Place a proper file!

Mike Witherell
Mike Witherell
Community Expert
Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
Community Expert
November 28, 2017

Try this InDesign troubleshooting guide:

InDesign CC 2018 troubleshooting how-to guide

For knockouts, I like to build them in Illustrator, and then save and name a file that I place in InDesign. I avoid copy n paste.

In Illustrator, you can build a white shape and make a second text object (or logo) over it. Don't convert the type to outlines. Select the white shape and the text (or logo shape), go to the Pathfinder panel, and (Opt key if live type) click the second button labeled Minus Front. This will knock the type (or logo shape) thru the white shape creating live transparency (while still leaving the type editable!). If you place this .AI file into InDesign over your patterned background, you will be able to see through the type (or logo shape) to the background pattern.

Mike Witherell
    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 28, 2017

    I have tried turning it into an outline, which works but is not quite crisp enough.  Is there any easier, cleaner way to do it?

    If the OP is converting the logo to outlines it must be a vector object and not an image?

    Seems like there must be a white background object in the AI file, or there's a white fill in InDesign.

    Mike Witherell
    Community Expert
    Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 28, 2017

    Yes, Rob, that was my understanding, too.

    Mike Witherell
    vinny38
    vinny38
    Legend
    November 28, 2017

    Use Illustrator pathfinder tool to create the whole thing.

    Create a white block and use the Exclude tool.

    Don't use PNG. Save as AI to keep vector information and then... sharpness!

    Frans v.d. Geest
    Community Expert
    Frans v.d. GeestCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 28, 2017

    If it is a raster image you can remove the background in Photoshop with a mask/Alpha channel (Save it as .PSD). If it is a Vector form Illustrator, first make sure there is no white background (like a white box) in the original, then Place(!) this .AI file in InDesign but make sure that the Import Options are set to show. From there choose Transparent background.

    You have to know a little about what you are doing if you want to work with professional software of course ;-)

    M
    markj33000887Author
    Participating Frequently
    November 29, 2017

    All sorted with a simple copy and paste!  The transparent background was included in the knock-out which was the problem.  Copy & paste used the outlines from illustrator so it's nice and sharp

    Anna Lander
    Anna Lander
    Inspiring
    November 28, 2017

    which format does the logo have? This defines the working way

    M
    markj33000887Author
    Participating Frequently
    November 28, 2017

    it's an illustrator file, so can save as any format if that helps.  I had been using it as a .png file

    Anna Lander
    Anna Lander
    Inspiring
    November 28, 2017

    well, then you can (if it's not too complex by its shape, colors, effects etc.) just copy?paste your logo from Illustrator to InDesign and use it as Clipping Path for your back pattern.

    But everything might be much easier. If you use .png file, it is shown with Typical Display (low-res) on your screen.

    Try to print it to check the actual look or just choose the hi-res display mode: View > Display Performance > Hi-Quality Display.

    I suggest your layout is really good but you can't see it because of the display mode. This mode defaults to decrease the system charge/

    M
    Migintosh
    Legend
    November 28, 2017

    Can you show a screen shot of what you have, or what you are trying to do?

    M
    markj33000887Author
    Participating Frequently
    November 28, 2017

    I will be able to once I find out why indesign keeps crashing on me. Hoping to work on this as soon as I figure that out.

    Have forum question as well for that issue as have tried everything.  All software is up to date. Any ideas what might be happening?

    Thanks

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