Layout 9 - Clipping Techniques
Hey there, design enthusiasts and creative minds! Welcome back to our design studio. Today, we've got something special in store for you. We're diving into the wonderful world of InDesign Clipping Masks, where imagination knows no bounds. Whether you're a budding designer or a seasoned pro, these tricks are going to add that extra dash of pizzazz to your creations. So, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a design adventure!
General Document Setup
Standard Letter 8.5”x11” portrait sheets
3 pages, with “facing pages” NOT checked
Start # = 1
Columns 1, column gutter 0.1667in
Margins = 0.50 in. all sides
Technique 1: Creating a Brush Stroke Clipping Effect
Download a Vector Brush Stroke:
Prepare the Vector in Illustrator:
Open the downloaded vector file in Adobe Illustrator.
Ungroup the vector elements if necessary to isolate the desired brush stroke. (You may have to do this many times)
Import Vector into InDesign:
Copy the brush stroke in Illustrator. (Ctrl + C)
Switch to Adobe InDesign and paste (Ctrl + V) the vector.
Adjust the orientation, size, and position of the brush stroke as needed.
Insert an Image:
Drag and drop your image into the brush stroke frame.
Adjust the image within the frame for desired composition.
You can double click into the frame to adjust the position of the image without moving the frame.
You’ll know when you are adjusting the image on the inside when there is an orange border instead of blue around the image.
Refine and Finalize:
Use InDesign's Content Aware Fill (Ctrl + Shift + Alt + C) to adjust the image to fit the brush stroke.
Fine-tune the image placement within the frame.
Add text or additional elements to complete your design.
I am using Sofia Pro Bold at 30pt font for the title and Sofia Pro Regular at 12pt font for all body text.
Technique 2: Creating a Clipping Path from an Image
Select an Appropriate Image:
Choose an image with a clear distinction between foreground and background, such as a black and white silhouette.
Apply a Clipping Path in InDesign:
Open the image in InDesign.
Go to the "Objects" menu and select "Clipping Path," then choose "Options."
Under "Type," select "Detect Edges" to automatically trace the subject.
Refine the Clipping Path:
Adjust settings like tolerance and threshold to fine-tune the path.
Use the "Smooth Tool" (Located above the rectangular frame tool, right click on the pencil tool (N) to bring it up) to simplify or smooth the path as needed.
You can use the smooth tool by dragging your mouse across the screen in the motion that you would like the control points to smooth.
Insert the Image:
Drag and drop your desired image into the clipping path frame.
Add Effects:
Apply effects like inner shadows to enhance the clipped image.
“Window > Effects” then go and click on the little “fx” icon on the bottom right beside the garbage bin icon.
Customize the effect settings for your desired look.
For this tutorial I am using an “inner shadow” effect with:
Blending mode: Multiply
Opacity: 75%
Distance: 0.3125in.
Angle:120 Degrees
X Offset: 0.1563in.
Y Offset 0.2706in.
Size: 0.1875in.
Choke and Noise: 0%
Complete Your Design:
Incorporate text or other design elements to finish your layout.
I am using Sofia Pro Bold at 30pt font for the title and Sofia Pro Regular at 12pt font for all body text.
Technique 3: Creating a Paper Cut-Out Effect
Choose an Image:
Select an image that you want to use for the paper cut-out effect and insert it into your layout.
Draw the Clipping Path:
Use the Pen Tool (P) in Adobe InDesign to roughly trace the outline of the subject in the image.
Keep the number of anchor points minimal for a realistic effect.
Remember, when we cut paper, it’s not going to be super precise so have longer, straight lines to mimic the papercut effect.
Cut and Paste the Image:
Select and cut (Ctrl + X) the original image.
Select the clipping path you created and paste (Ctrl + V) the image into it.
Apply a Drop Shadow:
Add a drop shadow effect to make the cut-out image appear to pop out.
“Window > Effects” then go and click on the little “fx” icon on the bottom right beside the garbage bin icon.
Adjust the drop shadow settings to your preference.
For this tutorial I am using an “inner shadow” effect with:
Blending mode: Multiply
Opacity: 75%
Distance: 0.1375in.
Angle:135 Degrees
X Offset: 0.0972in.
Y Offset 0.0972in.
Size: 0.0694in.
Choke and Noise: 0%
Finalize the Design:
Incorporate text or additional design elements to complete your layout.
I am using Sofia Pro Bold at 30pt font for the title and Sofia Pro Regular at 12pt font for all body text.
And that's a wrap, folks! We've just unleashed the power of design with these three incredible InDesign clipping techniques. Remember, design is all about letting your creativity run wild. So, go ahead, experiment, and don't be afraid to push the boundaries. Whether you're crafting a poster, brochure, or any other design project, these tricks are your secret weapons. I'll catch you in the next creative adventure. Keep designing, keep smiling!
