3 Easy Steps to Use a Photoshop Clipping Path in InDesign

Follow these three easy steps to quickly and effectively cut out images using Photoshop, for use in Adobe Indesign. Though you can customize your frames in Indesign utilizing Photoshop is often a faster option.

Pen Tool

Open up the image you want to cut out in Photoshop. Then trace the portion of the image you want to cut out with the pen tool. You can do this manually or if the background is a solid color select the background using the quick select tool, then right click the selection and select convert to path.

Create the Clipping Path

Under the Path Menu, double click the path you just made. A window will open prompting you to name the path that you are saving. Name the path whatever you like, then click ok. Now in the pull down menu next to the tab that says paths there should be an option that says "Clipping Path" select this (see the second image if you want a visual). Another window will pop up just click ok.

Save for Use in Indesign

Save your file as a tiff, with any name you would like. Then exit Adobe Photoshop. Open the Indesign file that you prepared the image for, drag the tiff file onto your document and there you have it!

Editing The Path Using Indesign or Photoshop

You can access the path to edit it in Indesign by using the direct select tool. The path will appear red and it is editable, or if you would like you can reopen the image in Photoshop, by right clicking and selecting under the "Edit with" sub menu Photoshop. If you simply save, and then close Photoshop any changes you make will automatically update.

Simply follow these three easy steps and you can cut out images quickly and effectively for all your Indesign projects.