Expert: Amy - 2/17/2006

Question
cs2 illustrator
pc

I'm trying to make a clipping mask that the image or photo can be changed out. I have about 300 product images to create and I'm trying to come up with a template that the design changes (ie colors or patterns, photos).  I can make a clipping mask but then have not figured out how to change out the photo or image.

It is the same product just different patterns.

Answer
This is how to change out an image that's being masked...

Using the WHITE arrow tool (Direct Selection Tool / A) click once on the image you want to swap.

CHoose "Place" from the File Menu and "Replace" as an option in the resulting dialog box.

That will swap only the image, leaving the clipping path untouched.

----------- another thought

If you are creating several PDF files or web graphics, say, you can do something a little different using the Layers window.

You can place ALL of the images (or as many as you can handle) onto the document and put them all on top of one another.  

Then place the clipping mask on top of all those.

Then select All (All the images and the clipping path) and do a Ctrl + 7 (Object>Clipping Mask>Make).

The image that is on the top of the pile will appear thru the clipping mask.

Then using the LAYERS window, toggle the visibility of the top image by clicking the eyeball in the first column.

Voila.. the second object appears thru the mask.

I hope one of these ideas helps you?
Amy Pace