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jarods80903597
Participating Frequently
February 22, 2017
Answered

Vector Image as Frame

  • February 22, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 6422 views

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

    Correct answer Steve Werner

    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.

    3 replies

    Willi Adelberger
    Community Expert
    Willi AdelbergerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 25, 2017

    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.

      rob day
      Community Expert
      rob dayCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 22, 2017

      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

      J
      jarods80903597Author
      Participating Frequently
      February 25, 2017

      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
      Community Expert
      Steve WernerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      February 25, 2017

      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.

      S
      SJRiegel
      Legend
      February 22, 2017

      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)

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