Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 1/31/2008

Question
I am very new to Illustrator, so please forgive the simplistic question. I want to create line drawings (which I know how to do) and fill the drawings with a photo file. The photo file would be something I scan into my computer...a swatch of fabric. I see how to fill drawn objects with color, but can't figure out how to fill teh object with the scan of the fabric. Can you please help me out? Thank you for any assistance.

Answer
Hi Nancy,

This can be done in three easy steps.

One, place your image.

Two, draw your shape over the image (or paste your image behind an existing line drawing). The drawing has to be a complete shape, no open paths.

Three, while selecting both objects, go to Object>clipping mask>make. This will create a mask in the shape of your drawing. If you need the object to have a stroke, you will need to place a copy over the clipping path.

Thanks

Kevin