2022

A Guide to QuarkXPress 2022 | 397
Choose Alpha Channel to clip a picture around an alpha channel already ●
embedded in a picture file. Choose an alpha channel from the Alpha drop-
down menu if the picture file contains more than one embedded alpha
channel. Note that using a clipping path around an alpha channel will create
a hard edge rather than a blended effect. If you want a semi-opaque blend,
use an alpha mask. (See “Working with alpha masks.”)
Choose Non-White Areas to create a clipping path based on the picture’s ●
subject. Depending on the image and the value in the Threshold field, the
clipping path will outline a non-white figure within a larger white or near-
white image (or vice versa). The Non-White Areas option works best when
the unwanted parts of the image are much lighter than the subject itself (or
vice versa).
Choose Picture Bounds to clip a picture around the rectangular “canvas area” ●
of the imported picture file. This includes any white background areas saved
with the original picture file. Enter values in the Top, Left, Bottom, and Right
fields to determine the outset of the clipping path from the picture’s
boundaries. Positive values increase the outset, and negative values
decrease the outset.
The green path in the Preview area corresponds to the clipping path, and the 
blue outline corresponds to the picture box.
Using embedded clipping paths
You can use image-editing applications to embed paths and alpha channels in
an image. If a picture storing this information is imported into QuarkXPress, you
can access the path and channel information using the Clipping tab of the
Measurements palette on.
TIFFs and PSDs can have embedded paths and alpha channels. EPS, BMP, JPEG,
and PICT files can only have embedded paths.
Manipulating clipping paths
After you apply a clipping path, choose Item > Edit > Clipping Path to enable
clipping path editing. Then choose one of the following tools: The Select Point
tool , the Add Point tool , the Remove Point tool , and the Convert Point tool
. For more information, see “Tools.”
You can also manipulate clipping paths with the controls in the Measurements
palette. To change a point from one type to another, use one of the following
three buttons:
Symmetrical Point : A symmetrical point connects two curved lines to ●
form a continuous curve. The result is similar to a smooth point, but the