Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 2/25/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Kevin,

I am a little new to Illustrator CS3 and I am having a problem cropping out a line drawing to use in another file, can you offer any help?

I am creating a map of a small town I live in and it has a few different layers that I created in the file like Roads, water, text etc.  I would like to crop out some of the areas of the map for use on the backside as small inset maps but I can't seem to figure out how to crop out these areas.  I've tried using the crop tool but nothing seems to happen.  Is this the right tool for the job?

Thanks, I'll look forward to your reply.

Mike
Ontario, Canada

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

The crop tool is the right tool for what you want to do. If you crop this image, you will only be able to view that same portion unless you save it out as different documents.

I am assuming that you are bringing this into something like InDesign or Quark. To create insets, just import the image again in a smaller picture box.

Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the reply,

I can't seem to make this work.  I want to be able to keep the file as a vector file and be able to edit if need be.  Would the slice tool be better for this job?  I can't seem to figure out what tool to use to cut out areas of my map to create smaller mini maps.

Are you able to suggest what tool and how to use it?

Thanks again,
Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,

This file will remain a vector file and editable unless you export it out as a jpeg or some other raster file. AI, EPS and PDFs retain all editing in Illustrator.  

Allow me to clarify my last answer - if you are creating the final map in something like Quark or InDesign, you do not need to crop this image at all. Just place it in separate picture boxes and reduce as needed. Use the picture boxes to crop into your image. Ex. one large overview image in box 1 and then two zoomed in images in smaller boxes inset on the page so the box crops the image.

If you are trying to do this in Illustrator only - the only way to "cut" areas out to make mini maps if you are doing this all in Illustrator is to create a clipping mask.

Create a new layer, duplicate the art onto this new layer. This will be your "cropped" image.

Resize the art to the proper proportions.

After it is resized, draw a rectangle over the top of the area, this will be your "crop".

Then click the "make/release clipping mask button" at the bottom of the layers palette. Viola! Only the image inside the rectangle is visible. The rectangle must be the top most image on the layer for this to work, so always create it last after you enlarge.

Hope this helps.

Kevin