clipping path

You can use clipping paths to crop an area of ​​an image so that only parts of the image that are defined by the specified shape or shapes are visible. You can use clipping paths to hide unwanted details in a given image, while simultaneously creating a path for the image and a frame for the graphics. Separating the clipping path from the graphics frame allows you to freely modify the clipping path with the Direct Selection tool or other toolbar tool without affecting the graphics frame.

You can create a clipping path in the following ways:

You can insert an image saved with curves or alpha channels (masks), which are automatically used by InDesign. You can add curves and alpha channels to your images using a separate program, such as Adobe Photoshop.

You can create a clipping path for images saved without it by setting the Trim Detection command to Detect edges.

You can use the Pen tool to draw a path of any shape, and then use the Paste To Shape command to paste the desired image into the path.

If you use InDesign to create a clipping path using an automatic method, the path will be attached to the image, resulting in a cropped image with a frame.

Crop with a curve or alpha channel saved with the image

In InDesign, you can crop an imported image in EPS, TIFF, or Photoshop format using a saved clipping path or an alpha channel. If an imported image contains multiple curves or alpha channels, you can choose which one to use as the clipping path.

The alpha channel is an invisible channel that defines translucent areas of a given image. This is stored in the image itself alongside the RGB or CMYK channels. Alpha channels are often used in video effects applications. InDesign automatically recognizes the default transparent layer of Photoshop (a chessboard-like background) as an alpha channel. If an image has a translucent background, remove the background in Photoshop; you can also create and save alpha channels in Photoshop with the image. You can create alpha channels using Adobe Photoshop's background removal features, such as the Layer Mask, the Channels panel, or the Eraser or Magic Eraser tool.