How to add picture to checked picture placeholder in AI template

[Michael22345737v5ds]

Hi guys, Im in AI and using a downloaded template for a flyer Im making. The template has a checked area for a photo to be inserted, and I have successfully added a picture to this area previously...but dont know how I did it and now cant replicate that! You can see the checked area in the screen shot below, and it has an angled edge that automatically shapes my rectangle picture to this same edge shape. When I 'place' an image there it just pastes as a rectangle shape and I cant trim it to match the shape of the checked area.

Does anyone know how I can paste my own picture in the checked area so it automatically takes the cheque shape and shapes my pictures edge to match?

Thanks heaps if you can help.

[Doug A Roberts]

If the checked area is in a clipping mask, you could paste your image into the mask. But without seeing the layer structure I can't know if this is the case.

[Michael22345737v5ds]

Hi Doug, thanks so much for your reply. I must confess Im not sure how to check if its in a clipping mask? (total rookie learning here!)

Can I send you another screen shot to help see whats what?

Cheers

[Ton Frederiks]

It does not look like a placeholder, more like a transparent area.

If you position your image in a layer below it, it would show in that area.

[Michael22345737v5ds]

Thanks a lot Ton!!!!

Next question...dare I ask...how do I position my image in a layer below the transparent area? 😕

[Doug A Roberts]

Can you show a screenshot of the layers panel with the object selected?

You can see all the objects in the document in the layers panel, and move them in front/behind each other.

[Michael22345737v5ds]

Yes, heres the panel shot. Well, I did something  like you said, (i think?) and this happened! Does the picture need to be linked' to the one above it to work maybe?

[Doug A Roberts]

The underlined item (Clipping Path) is acting to 'clip' everything in the clip group.

You need to add your image to that clip group. You can simply drag it into it in the panel.

[Michael22345737v5ds]

thanks Doug i really appreciate it - sorry im back at work now but will give it another bash tonight.

thanks again

[Met1]

As it's transparent, put it on the very bottom

Close the "Design" layer stack (just for ease of use), create a new layer under it, place your image on the new layer.

[Michael22345737v5ds]

Thanks Met1 i will give that a go. im starting to understand how this works thanks to your explanation. thanks heaps, much appreciated, youve given me some hope at 3:20am!!!  🙂