Expert: Amy - 2/11/2009

Question
ILLUSTRATOR CS2: I am trying to create a template for a presentation. I need to insert 2 pictures in a specific uniform space. I want to upload the picture and do not know how.

Also, how can I find the size of the picture???

Thank u.

Answer
Hi Lourdes.

To find the size of anything, just use the Transform window/palette. You will find that under Window>Transform. Click on the object and its dimensions will appear in the Transform window. You can also change the dimension of an object using that window.

To do what I think you're trying to do, you might want to create a clipping path with the image(s). That means that only a certain portion of the image will show. To do this, place your image, then draw a box over the portion you want to show. The box can have a stroke/border while you are doing this step - it will disappear in the next step. You can use the Transform Window to make sure the box is the size you want. Then select the box and the picture and hit Ctrl+7. Voila, it is trimmed to exact measurements.

To replace the image with a new one when using the template, simply instruct the user to click once on the picture using the WHITE ARROW tool, do a File > Place, choose the file they want to insert, check the 'Replace' option and click the Place button. The cropping/clipping will remain.

Hope this helps
Amy