How to Export Clipping Paths for Layout Programs

Exporting clipping paths from image editing software allows layout applications like Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress to isolate subjects, hide backgrounds, and wrap text without permanently altering original image pixels. By properly defining a vector path as a dedicated clipping path in software like Adobe Photoshop and saving it in a compatible format, layout programs can automatically detect and utilize the isolated silhouette for print or digital production.

1. Create and Save the Path

Before a path can function as a clipping path, it must be stored as a permanent vector asset within the image file:

  1. Select the Pen Tool in your image editor (e.g., Adobe Photoshop) with the mode set to Path.
  2. Draw the path precisely around the subject you wish to isolate.
  3. Open the Paths panel (Window > Paths).
  4. Double-click the newly generated Work Path, enter a descriptive name, and click OK to save it. Unsaved work paths will be overwritten or discarded.

2. Designate the Clipping Path

Saving the path makes it permanent, but it must be formally designated as a clipping path for layout software to recognize its boundary:

  1. Click the panel menu icon in the upper-right corner of the Paths panel.
  2. Select Clipping Path... from the dropdown menu.
  3. In the dialog box, choose your saved path from the Path dropdown list.
  4. Leave the Flatness field blank (or set it between 0.2 and 2) to maintain default curve fidelity, then click OK.
  5. The path name in the Paths panel will now appear in an outlined or bold font, indicating it is an active clipping path.

3. Save in a Compatible File Format

Layout engines require specific file formats that support embedded vector path metadata:

  • Photoshop (.PSD): The modern standard for layout software. It retains layers, transparency, and clipping paths with full fidelity.
  • TIFF (.TIF): An industry-standard raster format. When saving, ensure the Save Layers and path options remain enabled.
  • Photoshop EPS (.EPS): A legacy PostScript format historically used for clipping paths. While widely supported, modern workflows generally prefer PSD or TIFF.

Avoid using standard JPEG or PNG formats for this specific workflow, as they do not support native clipping path metadata recognized by layout engines.

4. Import and Apply in Layout Software

Once the file is saved, import it into your page layout program:

  1. In your layout software (such as Adobe InDesign), go to File > Place and select the image file.
  2. Click to position the image on the layout canvas. The program typically detects the clipping path automatically, hiding the area outside the path.
  3. If the clipping path does not engage automatically, select the placed image frame and navigate to Object > Clipping Path > Options....
  4. In the dialog, set the Type dropdown to Photoshop Path, select your saved path name, and click OK.
  5. To wrap text around the subject, open the Text Wrap panel, choose Wrap Around Object Shape, and set the contour options to use the embedded path.