How to create a clipping mask on a scanned image in Adobe Illustrator?

I have a scanned image that I am trying to utilize in creating a logo. I need to cut the image from its background, and I have read that the best way to do this is with a clipping mask. When I try this utilizing the pen tool, it says that the clipping mask cannot be used because more than one object must be selected??? Help!How to create a clipping mask on a scanned image in Adobe Illustrator?
Just got though designing a Valentine's Day card for my wife.





The ';path'; you make with the pen tool is one object. The drawing behind it is another. After you draw the path, use the select tool to select BOTH the path and the drawing. THEN make the mask.





Remember that even after the mask is made, they are STILL two separate objects. If you intend to move the image around, GROUP the two objects so that they move as one.How to create a clipping mask on a scanned image in Adobe Illustrator?
clipping mask explained:


http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/illust…





the clipping mask is of using a shape like oval to cover another image and block outer areas without cutting away,





http://uic.edu/cuppa/udv/ai/ex4.htm


to use outline of shape create new layer with the pen tool outline then convert layer to mask





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Illustrator operates using vector imaging an the ';path'; system. A scanned image is a raster image, so you will need to turn that image into a vector image by tracing it with the pen tool to create paths (or you can use the ';live trace'; option, which is much quicker. The scanned image much be selected, then go to ';Object %26gt; Live Trace';).


If you want to remove the background from the image (so it's transparent) I would use Photoshop - click the background with the magic wand tool and ';delete';. make sure the layer is independant first.
You need your pen outline on top of your scan you should then select both the outline and the scan and make a clipping path. If the path is more complex, for example if there are areas within the basic shape that needs to be removed you will need at make the paths into a compound path before you make the clipping mask.


Logos containing raster images are limited in their use, because as it is enlarged you will lose resolution. For basic offset lithography your image's resolution should be a minimum of 300 dpi at its final intended size and converted to cmyk.