next example is the clipping path. a path (not vector shape) on it's own, you save it, and make it a clipping path. often used for " deep etching " this means you don't have to erase stuff to make it transparent. when you have to take it to a page lay-out program like Quark Xpress, InDesign, or even page maker. options like running text around an irregular shape, and have an object on any colour baground are some of the advatages (save as tiff [or if you dare eps] ) the example impersonates the effect of the path cutting out the un-wanted image.