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tbraun1551
Participant
December 8, 2017
Answered

How to import Photoshop Path into InDesign?

  • December 8, 2017
  • 5 replies
  • 12313 views

I created a very simple path in photoshop, and I wanted to bring it into InDesign but I have not figured out a way to do it.

I have tried copy pasting, drag and drop, and importing the PSD (which only partially worked).

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Bill Silbert

    You can save the path in Photoshop's Path panel pull-down menu and then use the File>Export>Paths to Illustrator... option. That will save the Path as an Illustrator file (.ai). Then open that new file in Illustrator. When you open it there it will have no stroke or fill and so only be viewable in the artwork mode (accessed through the toggle Command(Mac)/Control(PC)-Y). Give the path a fill of color and then select it and copy (Command(Mac)/Control(PC)-C) and then paste it into InDesign (Command(Mac)/Control(PC)-V). The path will be fully editable in InDesign.

    5 replies

    Mohit Goyal
    Community Manager
    Mohit GoyalCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    July 18, 2022

    Hi all,

     

    I just wanted to add a knowledge base article in this conversation that talks about:

     

    I hope you find this useful.

    Thanks,

    Mohit

      B
      bcmstudiodude
      Participating Frequently
      December 14, 2017

      I find the Illustrator route convoluted.

      And it is not useful if you need the path to remain aligned with the underlying photoshop image.

      Import the photoshop file into Indesign

      Make sure it is selected

      Go Object Menu > Clipping Path > Options

      Under Type, choose Photoshop Path

      Select your path from the Path list and hit OK

      Go Object Menu > Clipping Path > Convert Clipping Path to Frame

      Delete contents of frame

      Optional: if you need the path to align with the underlying photoshop image. Duplicate the image after Step 1, then proceed to work with the duplicate. Or not, whatever works for you.

        schroef
        schroef
        Inspiring
        February 15, 2018

        How come Indesign cant handle this from Photshop yet it cant from Illustrator. Probably its the settings in Illustrator where you can choose how to treat pasteboard files. Come Adobe its 2018, these apps still sort seem like from different vendors in some places.

        <-> means paste command and how its handled by the receiving app.

        Photoshop <-> Illustrator all okay.

        Photoshop <-> Indesign Horrible!!!

        Illustrator <-> Indesign all okay

        L
        Community Expert
        LaubenderCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        December 8, 2017

        Copy/paste the path to an Illustrator document, give it a fill or a stroke width and copy again.
        Switch to InDesign and paste.

        Regards,
        Uwe

        // EDIT: Somehow I knew I was too late answering. Was distracted by a phone call… :-)

        Steve Werner
        Community Expert
        Steve WernerCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        December 8, 2017

        Make sure you have saved your Photoshop path in the Paths panel. Then choose File > Export > Paths to Illustrator...

        You'll be asked to save this AI file to a location. Open the AI file in Illustrator. It would be a good idea to add a stroke color at this point.

        Select the Illustrator path (if it is simple) and copy to the Clipboard.

        Paste the path into InDesign.

        Steve Werner
        Community Expert
        Steve WernerCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        December 8, 2017

        Bill, great minds think alike. You beat me by a minute.

          Bill Silbert
          Community Expert
          Bill SilbertCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          December 8, 2017

          There's always that great moment of suspense when you've written an answer (especially one that involves some time and, possibly some screen shots) when you click on "Add Reply" with breath held hoping that somebody hasn't already offered exactly the same solution. But then again it can also be nice to feel an instant sense of confirmation.

            Bill Silbert
            Community Expert
            Bill SilbertCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
            Community Expert
            December 8, 2017

            You can save the path in Photoshop's Path panel pull-down menu and then use the File>Export>Paths to Illustrator... option. That will save the Path as an Illustrator file (.ai). Then open that new file in Illustrator. When you open it there it will have no stroke or fill and so only be viewable in the artwork mode (accessed through the toggle Command(Mac)/Control(PC)-Y). Give the path a fill of color and then select it and copy (Command(Mac)/Control(PC)-C) and then paste it into InDesign (Command(Mac)/Control(PC)-V). The path will be fully editable in InDesign.

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