Graphics with Transparent Backgrounds

[_Dennis_Trucks_]

Is there a way to create a graphic of an icon with a transparent background and have Frame keep the transparent background?

I have a request to put in a "callout box" that is shaded gray. Then, to place an icon on top of the box and a text box with content.

Currently, even when make the background transparent on the icon image, when I import the icon Frame puts the white background back in.

As always, any help or information is appreciated.

Thank you,
Dennis

[_thomas_bro_]

Dennis,

1. Create your icon as an EPS (from Illustrator or CorelDRAW)

2. Place this in FM as Inserted by Reference

3. Make sure that you set the fill and outline properties of the EPS file itself INSIDE FM to NONE.

4. You can then place this EPS file on any background and the transparency will be apparent.

Number 3 is the important step. It is not enough to use transparency directly in you EPS file. The EPS file can also derive from Photoshop with a Clipping Path embedded in it.

keep smiling
thomas

[_Dennis_Trucks_]

Hi Thomas,

Where do you set the fill and outline properties of the EPS file itself INSIDE FM to None? The Tools Palette?

I created the eps and imported the file to a gray background, but I still have the white "canvas" of the icon.

Dennis

[_Dennis_Brunnenmeyer_]

Dennis...

Try this: Select the graphic in the FM document. On the Tools pallet, select Fill Pattern (button on left with cross-hatched fill) and set to None. Select Pen Pattern (button on left side with dotted outline) and set to None.

Dennis...

[_Dennis_Trucks_]

Dennis,

I tried both of those and they don't allow the gray background to come through.

Dennis

[_thomas_bro_]

Dennnis,

You can only see the result in the created PDF file. Never in FM.

How did you produce the EPS file?

Did you create a PDF?

keep smiling
thomas

[_Dennis_Trucks_]

Thomas,

I created the EPS in Photoshop and the PDF showed the white background.

It could be that I didn't create the EPS correctly.

I'm glad to know there might be a work around for this, but it would be easier if Frame would allow for transparent images. Having said that, I definitely prefer Frame for large document publications.

Dennis

[_thomas_bro_]

Dennis,

The trick is to create a Clipping Path in the PhotoShop file. Clipping paths are generally 'just' a masking area that is used in EPS and TIF files.

When using Illustrator an object is in itself a clipping path, so there is no need to do anything mysterious in that product (or Corel DRAW for that matter)

keep smiling
thomas