Expert: Amy - 1/9/2009

Question
I'm new to asking troubleshooting questions on-line but hopefully you can
help :) I placed an image in Illustrator and want to create a knockout with text
on the image so that the background layer behind the actual image will show
through. Ex. I have a placed photo image of a flower on one layer with a
background layer of a tree underneath it. I want to be able to type the letter
"F" on the flower photo and knockout the actual image so it will show the tree
photo underneath it looking as if its the letter "F". I hope this isn't too
confusing, Thank you!

Answer
Hi Stacy,

I think you have to do that in PhotoShop, actually for the best results, but here's a way to do it in Illustrator.

Import the tree photo.
Import the flower photo and place where you want it.
Copy the tree photo and paste on top (Ctrl+F) then bring to front, so it's on the absolute top.
Now don't move the images.
Type your words on top of everything.
Select both the words and the topmost tree photo only and select "Ctrl+7" or Object > Clipping Mask > Make.

Now the words will appear like they are filled with the tree photo and sitting on top of the flower photo, they will look like they are knocked out.

Let me know if this is confusing.

Good luck!
Amy