Indesign CS 5.5 (bugg with clipping paths)

[Magnus]

Since we started using Indesign CS 5.5 a few weeks ago we have had some weird stuff going on with clipping paths.

The last error was when we updated the links in a document from a customer and a photoshop clipping path in a tif-file was suddenly activated and this unfortunately caused a reprint.

Have anyone else had this or a similar problem?

(we are running OSX)

[Al Ferrari]

"(we are running OSX)"

Which one?

[abccolor]

I am providing the links to two treads which may shed light on this topic.

Adobe Forums: InDesign - Transparency Effects not displaying in PDFs

InDesign - Transparency Effects not displaying in PDFs

[RandyD]

Yes I have seen similar problems. You have to be aware when updating links and I recommend closely scrutinizing the file proofs. I've seen this happen when changing a file from a Photoshop .jpg with a clipping path to a Photoshop .tif with a clipping path. When updated to the .tif the path changed slightly. I have also had more clipping path issues when designers have used Alpha Channels to designate clipping. Not so much fun.

Usually on my own designs when possible if I'm using a graphic or photo that would be close cropped I will opt for a .tif with a clipping path with a flatness of "3" set in photoshop. Then when placed to InDesign stick with a photoshop clipping path option and select the particular clipping path in the file. You also have to select whether to include enclosed or (internal) paths if you have dropouts within our crop region.

[Lukas Engqvist]

Haven't used clipping paths in years. Is there any special file format? Tiff, PSD, JPG? Does it happen in InDesign? Can you see it in InDesign or is it downstream in your workflow?
I would check for double clipping paths that are near identical. Without the files can only speculate as to what is causing it. (There usually is an explanation)

We used to have issues like that in the old days of OPI…*one of the reasons we stopped using OPI. Would be great to know more specifics. (Lol followed the thread and found it circled to another post here on PrintPlanet :P I remember trying to debugg that one)

It is becoming more difficult debugging since a PDF can be a placed PDF of a placed PDF of a Placed PDF... It means that you get quite complex levels of masking, and what we are given as source files may have been recycled a number of times. How many times can a PDF be recycled and the printer still responsible?

[Magnus]

Haven't used clipping paths in years.

Unfortunately we can't control how our customers are using the features in Indesign and Photoshop..

Is there any special file format? Tiff, PSD, JPG?

In the resent job this happend with an ordinary tif-file.

Does it happen in InDesign? Can you see it in InDesign or is it downstream in your workflow?

I can see the error in Indesign when I update the image.

I would check for double clipping paths that are near identical. Without the files can only speculate as to what is causing it. (There usually is an explanation)

No double clipping paths.. I can see if I can post the file later today.

We used to have issues like that in the old days of OPI…*one of the reasons we stopped using OPI. Would be great to know more specifics. (Lol followed the thread and found it circled to another post here on PrintPlanet :P I remember trying to debugg that one)

When we do our own work we never using clipping paths, but as mentioned before it's hard to control what the customers are doing.

[Glenn McDowall]

Was the customer supplied file InDesign CS5.5?
If it was a previous version does the same thing happen when updating the Link?
Is it possible the reason the Link required updating is that they added a clipping path?

[Magnus]

Was the customer supplied file InDesign CS5.5?
If it was a previous version does the same thing happen when updating the Link?
Is it possible the reason the Link required updating is that they added a clipping path?

1. Yes

2. ^

3. Good question! I have to investigate that possibility.

[rich apollo]

The only way I see to do what you describe is:

1) create a tiff file containing a path
2) place into InDesign
3) go back to Photoshop and define the path as a clipping path and save
4) update the link in InDesign

As a control, I imported the tiff with the clipping path disabled in InDesign, edited the tiff in Photoshop, and updated in InDesign. The overriding of the clipping was maintained.

I can create the opposite problem much more easily - getting a clipping path to DE-activate.

[Magnus]

Here you can download an example:

https://service.alfaprint.se/portal/...32c4656014e577

Do NOT update the link if you get that question when you open the file. Update it 'manually' when the file is open so you could see the error.

What do you think?