How to paste a raster image into a shape

[maribea55]

TWO QUESTIONS:

I'm migrating to Illustrator CS2 from FreeHand (my friend for so many years), and I need to know how can I paste an image in Illustrator, from Photoshop, into a shape (an oval for example).

and

What is the best format if any, to import a raster image.
I assume (better to be sure, that's the reason I ask) that it depends on the nature of my artwork... if I'm working in CMYK mode, do I have to use .eps,CMYK image? and if I'm working in a poster RGB mode for digital reproduction, can I use .jpg, RGB mode?

 

[apepp]

...firstly you can't paste images directly into shapes in illustrator as it is programmed to clip images with clipping masks...

...to do that you have to make a vector shape, place the shape on top of the image, select both and then choose object > clipping mask > make (apple/control + 7)...

...as far as image formats, eps is fine although i rarely use it these days, i keep to psd format or tif's, but mainly psd format as I often do layered work which means it is a format that is fully editable, if required later on, and thus reduces the amount of formats sprawled across my hard drive, layered tif files too if i find LZW compression more efficient, but this all depends on the dimensions of the job in hand...

...in the case of final send off, i'll use jpeg or LZW tif, but only if space issues occur for disk burning or for transit to another user across the web. In most cases my final format is pdf in the end, although not illustrator compatible ones as they are often bloated in size...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...also, if you ever need to re-link an image (even an embedded one), choose the flyout menu from the links palette, you have the option to re-link a selected image (embedded or not), and/or replace it with another...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...and to add...

...if you find illustrator files becoming very large in Mb's, choose to save them without pdf compatibility...

...although, if you place an native illustrator file into indesign, you will need it turned on when you save your files from illustrator...

...it is on by default...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...you can also mask images by way of the transparency palette flyout menu...

...for example, select two different images one on top of the other, choose the flyout menu of the transparency palette and select 'make opacity mask'...

Andrew

 

[maribea55]

Thanks a lot!!!