Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 12/1/2008

Question
Hi Kevin,

I am having problems changing the shape of a photo I have imported in to illustrator.  I have used the Place option in the File menu to import the photo on to a blank worksheet.  What I would like to do is change the corners of the photo to rounded corners like a rounded rectangle, however, if I try the usual method for an object drawn in illustrator (Effect - Stylize - round corners) this does not work.  I have tried a few other methods  like "Convert to Shape" but nothing seems to works.  So, I am just wondering what is the method for changing the shape of photos or is thee are a method!

Thanking you,

Aoife

Answer
Hi Aofie,

What you will need to do is create a clipping mask over the photo. Illustrator does not allow you to change placed images in the manner you want.

Create a rectangle shape over the image and change that with the rounded corners, etc. Then select both objects and go to object>clipping mask>create

That will do it!

Thanks

Kevin