Expert: Richard - 11/26/2009

Question
Hi Richard
I'm new at CS4 and keep hitting an obstacle when trying to create a clipping mask in Ai.  
I've got a PDF banner template (not a normal shape) which I've cut out in PS and then saved as an EPS file.  When putting it into Illustrator to create a clipping mask with it, it's not working.  I've done all the artwork for the banner, but need to get it into this template shape. Any suggestions what I'm doing wrong or what I should do differently?

Thank you
Teresa

Answer
Let me confirm this -
You are trying to use something created in photoshop as a clipping mask?
This will not work as the object created in photoshop is a raster image and not a vector image.
Saving a raster image as an eps in photoshop does not make it a vector image, and is rather useless IMHO.
Your clipping mask has to be a vector.
You may have to redraw the shape in Illustrator.
OR
Try opening the pdf banner template in Illustrator. If it was created in Illustrator and saved correctly, it will still be a vector image and you will be able to use it, or parts of it, as your clipping mask.