How do I change the clipping path in InDesign?

You can change the clipping path in InDesign by adjusting the settings in the Clipping Path dialog box. Here's how:

1. Select the graphic: Use the Selection tool to click on the imported graphic whose clipping path you want to modify.

2. Access the Clipping Path dialog box: Go to Object > Clipping Path.

3. Choose a Clipping Path Type: In the Clipping Path dialog box, the Type menu allows you to select the source of your clipping path:

   • Photoshop Path: If the graphic contains paths saved in Photoshop, choose this option. You'll then select the specific path you want to use from the Path menu.

   • Alpha Channel: If the graphic contains transparency information (an alpha channel), choose this option. You'll then select the desired alpha channel from the Alpha menu. Alpha channels essentially define transparent areas of an image.

   • Detect Edges: InDesign attempts to create a clipping path based on the edges of the graphic. This can be useful for simple shapes, but may require adjustments with more complex images. You can adjust the Threshold level to fine-tune the edge detection. Increasing the threshold often simplifies the path. You can also adjust the Tolerance setting, which determines how closely the path follows the edges.

   • User Defined Path: Allows you to manually create a clipping path using the pen tool.

4. Adjust Clipping Path Settings (if applicable): Depending on the type of clipping path you choose, you'll have additional settings to adjust:

   • Threshold (Detect Edges): This determines how sensitive the edge detection is.

   • Tolerance (Detect Edges): This controls how closely the clipping path follows the detected edges. Lower tolerance values create more accurate, but complex paths.

   • Inset Frame: This allows you to move the clipping path inward or outward, creating a margin or border around the graphic. Positive values inset, negative values outset.

   • Include Inside Edges (Detect Edges): Choose whether to include clipping paths around any internal details within the image.

5. Preview and Refine: Check the Preview box to see how your changes affect the graphic. If needed, adjust the settings until you achieve the desired result.

6. Click OK: Once you're satisfied with the clipping path, click OK to apply the changes.

Example:

Imagine you have a product photo from Photoshop that includes a path saved as "ProductOutline." To use this path as a clipping path in InDesign:

1. Select the image in InDesign.
2. Go to Object > Clipping Path.
3. Choose "Photoshop Path" from the Type menu.
4. Select "ProductOutline" from the Path menu.
5. Adjust the "Inset Frame" setting if you want to add a border or margin.
6. Click OK.

Now, the image will be clipped according to the "ProductOutline" path.