Another Illustrator question--cropping images to fit in box outline

[Bret608]

Hi everyone,

In Illustrator, is there a way to make it to where the enclosure outline can be used to crop a photo image you want to use for your graphic? I've tried making a clipping mask and using "divide object below" to no avail. I could attach the actual file here if that would help.

Thanks as always for the pointers,

Bret

[2tonewarrior]

First duplicate the border layer. Ctrl + Alt + Click and move








Then import your image to illustrator






Place it behind the border [important!] with shortcuts (Cntrl or Cmd + 9 move the layer down and the same with 0 move the layer up) or in the layers panel.






Now Select the two layers and press Ctrl + 7 (Create layer mask)








Done! Remember that the image is not cropped, its only a layer mask so you can easily edit the image (by selecting it with the white arrow) preserving the hidden area.







Hope it helps  

[Bret608]

Wow! Thank you for the very complete tutorial! Let me try it and report back in a bit.

[2tonewarrior]

I can show you how to crop an image like you wanted, is faster and easier but once you crop it you can´t adjust it in case you want modify something

[Bret608]

Thanks again! That worked perfectly. I think the first time, I had only copied over the path for the border layer, not the whole border layer itself. No need to show me how to crop--I think what you've given here is the best solution since I will still be able to edit.

All the best,

Bret