Vector Image as Frame

[jarods80903597]

I'm relatively new to InDesign so hopefully this isn't a redundant question but i'm looking to use vector image of a cog with a transparent center as a frame for pictures of students. I know the same effect could be done using layers but I was wondering if I could use an image as the frame for content just to make everything a little cleaner and give me more options.

Thanks in advance

[SJRiegel]

This can be done either by creating the vector shape directly in InDesign, or creating it in Illustrator and pasting it into InDesign.

(You may have to tinker with your clipboard handling preferences to get this to work, and it works best with simple vectors)

[rob day]

but i'm looking to use vector image of a cog with a transparent center as a frame for pictures of students

Make sure your Clipboard Handling Preference has Prefer PDF When Pasting unchecked.

Copy and paste the vector object:

And with it selected choose Place and choose the image

[jarods80903597]

Thank You very much for your response but if I follow the steps above It just applies the image to the vector object instead of inside it. Ive included pictures so you can see what the image looks like.

[Steve Werner · Accepted solution]

I believe that the cog is what's called a compound path. So the image is being pasted into the compound object, resulting in what you see.

Try selecting the cog with the Selection (black arrow) tool and choose Object > Paths > Release Compound Path. Then select the inner circle and paste into that. To move everything together, you'll need to select the inner path, the outer path, and the image and choose Object > Group.

[jarods80903597]

That you very much! This solution was exactly what I was looking for.

[Mike Witherell]

Right, that is because the gear shape is a compound path. Instead of placing into the gear, why not make an under layer where the gear is step-and-repeated. Then make an upper layer, where the students picture is placed into a circle frame that sits precisely over the gear. The overall effect would look the same.

[rob day]

You should also be able to release the compound path when the object is selected via Object>Paths>Release Compound Path. Then you will be able to group the inner and outer paths and place the image in the inner circle

[Willi Adelberger]

Besides the other solutions, you can save a path in photoshop. Use this as clipping path and convert it with right mouse click in InDesign's context menu to a frame. If you want to combine an image with a frame, it is the most exactly way to do it.