Apply Clipping Path Options to an Object Style?

[LenoxCreative]

I'd like placed images to have their Photoshop clipping paths on. Rather than applying sixty times at a stretch for a catalog project, can I force an image box object style to retain this clipping path preference? Or is it completely defined by the placed image and, therefore, one can't set that in the Object Style? Thanks for any insight.

[BobLevine]

AFAIK it’s embedded in the image, but why do you need the clipping path? I haven’t used one since InDesign 2.0 was released with full transparency support.

[LenoxCreative]

Because I'm a freelancer working on-site and they can't update beyond 2017 due to a custom plugin they use with a DAM and this is the way they do it.

[BobLevine]

Well, they're doing it wrong!

Seriously, though, why not discuss the workflow with them? The time savings going forward would seem to be worth it.

[LenoxCreative]

I agree, and I have, but they're not interested. They're all over-taxed and afraid to change the workflow that has been working for them. I'd rather keep the work and come up with simple changes that don't disrupt the workflow and speed the work than become a thorn insisting that they change the way their whole department is working.

[BobLevine]

Sorry to hear that.

On the plus side, you get extra billable hours.

[LenoxCreative]

It's true... I always sooooo much prefer "working smart" though... but yep, absolutely.

[vinny38 · Accepted solution]

I don't want you lose your billable hours, but I suppose a script might be helpful.

(Question is: do your images have only ONE path which is the one that is supposed to be used?).

I wrote a simple script that you can run after having placed the images. It's simple and would probably need to be improved, but it's a start...

Check it out and see if it of any help (save your doc before running it )

if (app.documents.length > 0) {
    var myDocument = app.documents[0];
    if (parseFloat(app.version) < 6)
        main();
    else
        app.doScript(main, ScriptLanguage.JAVASCRIPT, undefined, UndoModes.ENTIRE_SCRIPT, "ClippingPath");
    function main() {
        var myDoc = app.activeDocument;
        var myGraphics = myDoc.allGraphics;
        var myImages = [];
        for (i = 0; myGraphics.length > i; i++) {
            if (myGraphics == "[object Image]") {
                myImages.push(myGraphics);
            }
        }
        for (i = 0; myImages.length > i; i++) {
            try {
                myImages.clippingPath.appliedPathName = myImages.clippingPath.photoshopPathNames[0];
            } catch (error) {}
        }
    } // main ends
} else {
    alert("No document opened\script ends");
}

[LenoxCreative]

Holy smokes, thank you! I'll need to search for a tutorial on how to implement but thank you very much! Hey, I'd rather find smart ways to work that contribute to the team here—shows I'm genuinely interested in improving their lives. Who wouldn't call back the freelancer who helps them streamline amiright?! Thank you, again!

[vinny38]

How to install scripts

And... I couldn't agree more with what you said about improving your client workflow!

However, I believe that Chad's and David C's suggestion to define clipping paths directly in Photoshop is great!

Setting an action script is relatively easy and the other good thing is that this workflow will crop the placed image to the limits of the path, instead of the entire artwork.

I would definitely give this suggestion a try.

Regards

Vinny

[Barb Binder]

Hi Lenoxcreative:

Text Wrap clipping paths can be assigned via Object Styles, but I think you are talking about defining transparency for placed images with clipping paths? No, that can't be a controlled via an object style.

Now, how are you placing the images? Are you using Shift to access import options? If so, try this:

1. Place the first image with File > Place (or Ctrl/Cmd D) and manually click Show Import Options.
2. Choose the image and choose Image > Apply Photoshop Clipping Path, OK.

In my experience this remains sticky—while the Shift for Import Options does not. Place a few more images and let us know.

~Barb

[LenoxCreative]

They're placed through a custom DAM thingie but essentially it's placed. And the method you outline is what I'm doing. I was hoping I could set an object style so that when an image is placed, the Clipping Path setting is applied rather than having to manually do it each time. I understand that the path information is in the image, not the holding box. But hoped it could be set as a relative thing.

[hammer0909]

If you actually define your path as a clipping path when you create them in Photoshop, then InDesign will automatically apply that clipping path on place. I typically don't do this because I want to turn it on as needed or pick the path that I want applied, but defining the clipping in Photoshop should do the trick.

[LenoxCreative]

Good to know. Probably not the solution for reasons similar to those you describe. But helpful information for sure!

[dave c courtemanche]

If the path is defined & assigned in the Photoshop file as a "clipping path" it will automatically apply when placed in indesign.