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  • Creating compound paths in InDesign

    01
    Jun

    Ever needed to knock out (mask) a section of an object to allow a background object to show through?  All very easy in Photoshop and Illustrator but is it possible in InDesign, of course it is - here’s how.

    Exaple

    Looking at the example above shows how the ornamental rules break in the middle for the text labels.  They also allow the background image to show through.  With no background image this is as simple as drawing a white object but this isn’t possible when an object sits behind.

    Example

    Here is a closer look minus background.  So how to create a compound path, just follow the steps below:

    Example

    The process is the same as Illustrator.  Create an object to be used as the mask and place it behind the object to be masked.

    Example

    Select both objects (the mask and the object to be masked) and select ‘Minus Back’.  Voila, a perfect mask which objects behind will show through.

    Tutorials, Design, InDesign,