Elements 2: Clipping paths

[philw]

I've recently bought the book and installed the HP tools without problem and while I can easily see how some of the utilities work the one I'm most interested in - Making a clipping path - has so far defeated me.

I need to create paths in JPEG photos for use in QuarkXpress version 6.5 so text can can be seen around the clipping etc. QX has its own built-in clipping procedure but it is pretty basic and not adequate.

I have achieved the Name clipping window but after saving and import into QX no clipping is there, background is white, text is covered.

The book only has two pages on this and I cannot see how it relates to photos.

Where am I going wrong and how do you control the quality of the clipping?
Thanks for reading this.

[philw]

Perhaps I was a tad too tired last night, but I've been rereading the chapter on vectors (still only two pages on clippings) and I've at least managed to replicate the example.

I've yet to try out my new skills on photos.

My request for advice still stands if anyone out there wishes to offer it.
Thanks

[philw]

'Sok, working fine.

[Richard_Lynch]

Sorry to be tardy on this. I may be mistaken, but I am pretty sure clipping doesn't work with JPEG images. Try saving as a TIFF.

[philw]

Thanks for that.

As I say, I seem to have it working ok now, just me being dim, trying to run before I could walk. Once I'd read the chapeter in full had it cracked, really quite straightforward.

Fine with JPEGs, which is just as well as we never used TIFFs, only EPS previously, but virtually all abandoned now for JPEGS.

I'm turning my attention to colour channels next; watch this space

[aaa1retouchskil]

Hey Phil,

Don't let those clipping paths get ya down they can be tricky buggers especially at first. The best way to really get into them is using your keyboard shortcuts. Play around with the handles while holding down
your shortcuts.But be careful not to duplicate them.
And before finalizing re-check over the whole path zoomed in close and out.

Channels are really just selections saved in a palet. And don't forget to
get rid of your channels at the end because they can cause printing problems.

If you need any help with the paths or channels just give a yell.

[Richard_Lynch]

aaa1,
That is all Photoshop oriented. This forum is for Elements, and the additions I made so people can use advanced imaging features in Elements.

[aaa1retouchskil]

Richard,

Opps! So sorry to bust into your teachings. Obviously I have no problem
with clipping paths, but do have one with figuring this site out. I'm a new
member here and just thought someone needed encouragement. Can you
recommend a teaching tool for me to learn how navigate this site better?

You have a good day!

Trish

[grahamjacks]

Thank you. You're right. "Several weeks" turns out to be nearly two years. Where does the time go? I'm getting back into Hidden Power. I don't have a Q right now, but I soon will, I'm sure. All the best, G.

[Richard_Lynch]

Grahamjacks,
Were you away? Was I?

I look forward to the questions!