1. Begin by creating a new document in InDesign. Using the type tool, create a large block of text. Choose a thick font and set leading fairly tight. The text in figure 1 is set in Helvetica Neue 95 Black, 16 pt., with 14 pt. leading and tracked to -30.

2. Next, turn the text box to outlines. With the Select tool (V), click on the text box. Choose Type > Create Outlines (Shift + Command + O). This will convert your live text box into a group of vector graphics.

3. With the outlined text box still selected, choose Object > Ungroup (Shift + Command + G) to ungroup all lines of text. This technique won’t work unless it has been ungrouped.

4. With the now ungrouped lines of text still selected, choose Object > Compound Paths > Make (Command + 8).

5. Next, choose File > Place (Command + D) and select the image you want to place inside your outlined font shapes.

6. Once the image is placed, use the Select Tool (V) and click somewhere on the group of letters. Choose Object > Fitting > Fit Content Proportionally (Option + Shift + Command + E) to fit the image within the boundaries of the text box. To view the image by itself, set the text box color to None. And use the Direct Select tool (A) to position the image inside the newly created text box shape. Note: Choose View > Hide Frame Edges (Command + H in CS2, Control + Command + H in CS3) to hide the text frame and view the image.