Mask in jpg file?

[robbiebouchoms]

Hello folks,

So I saw something strange I've neven seen before.
I've received an image of a laptop (It's a JPG). When I place the image in my inDesign file I see some kind of vector mask around it. Can anybody tell me how this is called and how this works? It looks like it's a part of the jpg file. But how can you get that information in a jpg and how can I get rid of it in my inDesign file?

Thanks for your time!

With kind regard,
Robbie

EDIT: I found out that it's a "clipping path". Now I'm still with the question, how can you make this and save as a jpg file?

[winterm · Accepted solution]

Sure, it’s possible to remove that Clipping Path in Photoshop (using Paths panel), and then re-save jpeg, which is no good due to degrading quality.

Better choice: directly in InDesign, with your image selected, go to Object > Clipping Path > Options, and select  None from Type: drop-down menu.

[robbiebouchoms]

Thanks man!

Yes I've found the Clipping Path options

[Mike Witherell]

While that can work, it is a deprecated practice when compared to making an alpha channel layer mask in Photoshop; saving the image as .PSD, and importing/placing that image into InDesign.

BTW, a jpg file doesn't have the ability to carry a clipping path. Maybe it was a .psd file that had its filename ending changed to .jpg?

[winterm]

Sure, Mike

my own practice is to avoid placing jpegs at all, especially those of unknown origin. They too often are the culprit of pdf export errors, when you're on a deadline. Another thing, they're rarely good enough 'as is'. Most of the time you'll want to fine-tune in PS shadows, colors, brightness… whatever. And then, sure, save as tiff or psd (if layers / transparency is involved). Still don't like not flattened tiffs (yeah, old school).

However, this is beyond the scope of original question, I think.

[winterm]

Mike+Witherell  wrote

BTW, a jpg file doesn't have the ability to carry a clipping path. Maybe it was a .psd file that had its filename ending changed to .jpg?

Sorry, Mike, that's not true. JPGs support this feature:

[Mike Witherell]

Hey Winterm,

That is not what I meant. I know you can do it to a JPG inside of InDesign, but the OP said that when they placed their received "JPG", it already had a clipping path around it. I can do that with PSD; but not with JPG.

[Mike Witherell]

Ah, I see my error. I always apply the vector clipping path in PS as an active layer mask, and under that circumstance it will no longer save as a JPG. You have demonstrated simply saving the path in the JPG file, and yes, that is selectable within InDesign. I misunderstood the OP to be saying the JPG was placed and already showed a mask.

[SJRiegel]

A photoshop path can be automatically applied when a jpg is placed, if

1) the path is designated in Photoshop as a Clipping Path and

2) Apply Photoshop Clipping Path is set in the import options