In today’s visually-driven landscape, the way a photo is presented can make all the difference in attracting attention. This is why individuals from various fields prefer using edited images, and one effective technique is the clipping path or clipping mask in Photoshop.
Clipping path images are especially popular in e-commerce, offering versatile applications. Photographers and image editors utilize this method to change backgrounds or seamlessly combine multiple subjects.
Initially, I aimed to guide you on creating a clipping path in Photoshop. However, I realized the importance of understanding the fundamentals – how it works and why it’s so widely used. The following sections of this article delve into a comprehensive exploration of all things related to the clipping path in Photoshop.
What Is A Clipping Path In Photoshop?
A clipping path in Photoshop is essentially a closed vector path or shape created using photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop. This editing process involves removing or changing the background by outlining the subject through paths.
Adobe Photoshop provides various tools for clipping paths, with the Pen Tool being a key instrument. Users use the Pen Tool to draw around the subject, creating an outline and cutting out the selected portion from the main photo. Despite its seeming simplicity, mastering the skill of hand-drawing around subjects requires practice, especially for beginners.
Alternatively, some individuals opt for the Clipping Path option, which streamlines the outlining process, even for intricate details. When executed correctly, the edited image appears seamless, with smooth edges, offering a realistic and polished presentation to the audience
Clipping path edits generally work like these:
- Layering:- A photo has pixels and dots around them. And layering is the combination of those dots around the photo subject’s pixels. Editing the image or creating an outline with the Pen Tool requires more skill. If not, it will become challenging to adjust the dots and layers.
- Object Removal:- The next part of the clipping path involves object removal. Unlike cropping an image where you have to cut out a portion of the image, object removal helps remove anything with accurate boundaries.
- Background Removal:- Around the final stage, the image becomes suitable for transferring from one background to another. The clipped image will have a transferable background, suitable for placing on any background, color or not.
Read More: How to Whiten Teeth in Photoshop
How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop?
Knowing how to create a clipping path in Photoshop has its advantages. That is why it is essential to perfect the editing task so that it appears natural with no uneven edges.
However, it can be challenging for beginners to understand how clipping path Photoshop is created. And that is why I prepared the following step-by-step guide. This article will follow these steps to learn to create Photoshop paths.
Create a clipping path in Photoshop steps to follow
- Make Sure You Have An Upgraded Adobe Photoshop Tool
- Choose An Image
- Launch the Adobe Photoshop Application
- Open The Photo In Photoshop App
- Select The Pen Tool
- Select A New Path
- Create Anchor Points
- Draw The Inside Paths
- Adjust Or Modify The Path
- Save The Selected Path
- Create The Clipping Path
- Remove The Background Layer
- The Background Layer
- Save The Image
Now, get ready to follow these steps strictly to create a clipping path to transform any image.
Step 1: Make Sure You Have An Upgraded Adobe Photoshop Tool
Since I prepared this tutorial and instruction guide following the process of the Adobe Photoshop tool, you must have it too. But make sure to have the upgraded version so that working on the application becomes efficient for you. Besides, newer versions always give you a smoother working experience.
Related Article: Adobe Lightroom vs Photoshop Express
Step 2: Choose An Image
You cannot create a clipping path without the appropriate image. So choose an image that has a removable subject or object.
If you are a beginner, I would advise selecting a photo with a simple subject, such as a bag with a handbag, wallet, shoe, a simple toy, etc.
Step 3: Launch the Adobe Photoshop Application
Once you have chosen the image you want to edit, launch your Adobe Photoshop application. I bet you are already familiar with this application.
If you are not, the app’s icon says Ps, which you can spot easily. Double-click on the app to launch it if you are working from your computer.
Step 4: Open The Photo In Photoshop App
Next, open the image you chose for editing in the Photoshop application.
To do that, go to the top panel, click on File, and select Open from the drop-down menu. For a shortcut, press CTRL+O (COMMAND+O on MAC) to open the files.
The option will take you to your computer’s storage. Click on the chosen image to upload it into the Photoshop app.
Step 5: Select The Pen Tool
Once the image uploading is done, you should select the Pen Tool, the most important tool to create a clipping path Photoshop image.
You will find the Pen Tool on the left-side screen Toolbar, or you can press P on both Windows and MAC.
Step 6: Select A New Path
Now the beauty of the Pen Tool lies in its multiple paths selection option. Based on your working requirements, you can choose a new path option.
Click on Path on the options bar and select Combine Shapes. It will help you select any shape and object freely.
Step 7: Create Anchor Points
After that, Zoom into the photo so you can see the subject’s edges more clearly. I used 300% Zoom, and the edges became more visible.
Then use the tool to draw around the outer edges, also known as the anchor points. Try to keep the drawing lines as close to the subject’s edges as possible.
Step 8: Draw The Inside Paths
If you use a bag’s photo for the experiment, it also has a handle, right? So you must also draw inside paths to cut out the image flawlessly.
The inside path is the inner but open area of the photo subject, and you need to draw around the inner edges.
Read More: Convert A Photo to Line Art Drawing in Photoshop
Step 9: Adjust Or Modify The Path
It is not unusual for first-timers to get everything right on the first go. So if there is something to adjust and modify, you can do it at this stage. From the left-side Toolbar,
Click on the Path Selection Tool or A from your keyboard.
Pull and stretch the paths as you need to adjust them.
Press CTRL+Enter on Windows or COMMAND+Return on MAC to mark the final selection.
Step 10: Save The Selected Path
Now that you have selected the paths around the subject, you need to save it. To do that, go to the Layer panel,
click the Path tab, and select Save Path from the drop-down menu. You can Save the path as Path 1 for later work.
Step 11: Create The Clipping Path
Once again, go to the Path tab under the Layer panel, and you will get the drop-down menu. Select Clipping Path from there, and a dialog box will pop up.
There, you will also see a box that says Flatness which shows the photo’s flatness value. The more value it has, the smoother edges you get. But without worrying about it, click OK to create the clipping path.
Read More: Best Clipping Path Service Providers
Step 12: Remove The Background
Your main job is done! And now, it is time to remove the existing background layer. Click on the Layer panel on the right side of your screen.
Then double-click on the Layer Mask icon and the image background will be gone. Instead of a solid background, you will be left with a transparent background.
Step 13: The Background Layer
Though the original background layer is no longer visible, it will be there. You can bring it back and use it whenever you want.
However, the transparent background will allow you to set the image on top of any other image layer.
Step 14: Save The Image
From the top Menu Bar, go to File and select Save As from the drop-down menu.
You can also do it from your keyboard by pressing CTRL+Shift+S on Windows. From MAC, it is a hassle to do it from the keyboard as you have to press Shift+Option+Command+S.
It is best to save the image in JPEG, TIFF, and PSD format. Doing so will allow you to use the image for various purposes whenever and however you need it.
How Many Types Of Clipping Paths?
Clipping path edits have varieties depending on various factors. All these varieties are categorized into two parts.
- Clipping path based on the image layers
- Clipping path based on complexity
And they come in various types of clipping path edits that serve different purposes. Here is more on various types of clipping paths.
Based On Image Layers
Creating a clipping path is not just about creating paths using the tools. It also involves adjusting different layers of the image. Based on that, there are three types of clipping paths.
Single Layer Path
A single-layer clipping path is where the clipping path is used to remove the background of a single-subject image. Creating such a path is comparatively easy and quick compared to the other types. Here, the editor draws the path with a single layer on the same layer.
Multiple-Layer Path
In a multiple-layer path, you create several clipping paths in more than one layer. That is because such photos usually have multiple subjects. So even after you use the Pen Tool and create various paths to remove the subjects, you still need to retouch multiple areas to give the photo a smooth finish.
Illustrator Path
The illustrator clipping path is different from the other two. It is more like cropping out a part of a photo to remove the background while you keep the main subject as it is. Besides, it helps you resize any image without ruining its quality and resolution.
Based On Complexity
The above-mentioned types were for creating clipping paths and editing images based on their layer. But photo editing service agencies categorized clipping paths based on their editing complexity, and here they are.
Basic/Simple Clipping Path
All the images that help create a quick clipping path in Photoshop fall into this category. Why? Because the subjects in such photos come in simple shapes with no curves or holes.
If you are a professional, you can outline the subjects with the Pen Tool in a swift motion as they hardly require any anchor point. So what are these shapes or subjects I am talking about?
They are mostly round, square, rectangles, triangles, etc., in shape. Some examples of items that fall into this type are balls, books, mobiles, eggs, saucers, etc.
Medium Clipping Path
Photos that fall into this type of path are not simple or quick to edit. They come with slight curves and often have some holes. You need to add more anchor points to create paths and edit.
If you are a newbie, clipping path Photoshop like this can take a while. But for experienced people, it takes only a bit longer than basic path creation. So what are the products or image subjects for these photos?
Usually, toys, show pieces, and jewelry with simple designs, watches, belts, shoes, dresses, etc., are some examples. The delivery will not take long if you take a medium-clipping path service.
Complex Clipping Path
This is an advanced clipping path type that requires more work. Here, the image can have a complex subject with more curves and holes. And you will have to add many anchor points in such photos.
Creating clipping paths in such images requires lots of hard work for newbies. It is somewhat impossible to create paths with perfection if you lack experience. Even professionals spend hours editing these images.
While the subjects of such images can have simple shapes, their complex design can make creating paths challenging. Some examples of this type of photo are bicycles, fences, baskets, furry animals, etc.
Super Complex Clipping Path
These are the work of professional photo editors as they come with the highest complexity. It is called a super complex clipping path because the curves are always too complex to outline and require higher skills to perfect them.
On top of that, the subjects have too many holes and complex shapes and require many anchor points. That is why they are not the work for beginners as the professionals need to work with precision here.
Taking a super complex clipping path service can be pretty expensive, and delivery takes longer. Some examples of this type of clipping path images are chandeliers, trees, heavy jewelry, and models with complex poses in various dresses, group photos, etc.
Read More: Photoshop Jewelry Photo Retouching
Importance Of Clipping Path Images
So why go through all this fuss and use this complex editing process? What purposes do they serve, or why is it essential to use clipping paths?
Clipping Path has a massive demand in product photography, modeling, and the e-commerce sector. But here is more on why the clipping path is important.
Removes Unimportant Parts
When shooting a photograph, it is not uncommon to get unwanted objects in the frame. But a nice backdrop with an unwanted object ruins the charm of the image. That is why the clipping path or clipping mask in Photoshop is important, as it allows you to remove any unwanted objects from the photo.
Removes Unnecessary Background
The most important reason people use clipping paths in Photoshop editing is that it is handy and effective in removing backgrounds. Whether you do not like the existing background or want a change, there is no better way than using this tool.
Retouching And Color Correction
Clipping path is not limited to drawing paths and cutting subjects and objects out of photos. Retouching and color correction are also essential to give the image smooth edges and a better outcome. It also helps make the image look realistic to the audience.
Professional Touch
No one glances twice at a poorly edited photo or one that appears unrealistic and unattractive. But the clipping path requires skill and helps give the edited photos a professional touch. It also helps the images appear more vibrant and flawless.
Grow Audience
Talking about the audience, clipping path images is vital for various professions and businesses. I will talk more about it in the following section of the article, but let me say here that the clipping path helps photos look attractive. Thus, it is important to help businesses attract and grow audiences.
Authenticity
As I mentioned a moment ago, the clipping path helps images look realistic to their audience. Thus, it creates a sense of authenticity for the customers or target buyers. That is how it helps businesses flourish effectively.
Read More: How To Use Photoshop Watercolor Painting Effect
Where Can You Use Clipping Path Images?
You know now what a clipping path image can give you. But where does it get used? Here I mentioned some areas of professions where the clipping path plays a vital role.
Product Photo
As I said a moment ago, the clipping path is highly useful for product photography. Not only does it help add and change backgrounds, but it also changes how the product looks, removing its flaws. If you are in sales, you should know that using clipping paths in product photography effectively boosts sales.
Photography Profession
As a photographer, taking photos is not always the only work. Many photographers edit those captured photos for personal and professional uses. And if you are a product or fashion photographer, learning how to create a clipping path in Photoshop is essential.
E-Commerce Site
One can hardly think of putting photos on e-commerce sites without going through clipping path edits. You need to ensure there are no unnecessary objects in the image, and they mostly contain a white background. And the only way to achieve all of these is by using clipping paths or clipping mask Photoshop.
Banners And Posters
The attractive banners and posters we see hovering over our heads and on the streets automatically get our heads turned. That is because they are always presented in a professional and eye-catching way. And many of these banners and posters contain clipping path images to achieve that.
Graphics Design
Graphic designers do a lot of editing work and design various things. And all the designs, logos, illustrations, banners, and posters you see often include clipping path edits. That is why the clipping path is highly useful for graphic designers.
Architecture And Interior Design
It is pretty much impossible to create mesmerizing architecture and interior designs without using the clipping path. If you are into the job, you want to impress your clients. Clipping path helps put together beautiful designs and presents the final design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
These days, there is a huge demand for highly edited images, and most of them involve the clipping path. So if you aspire to be a professional who provides photo editing services, it is best if you know how to create clipping masks in Photoshop.
Learning how to create a clipping path in Photoshop or testing your clipping mask Photoshop skill is not that simple. You can learn this pretty quickly if you are somewhat experienced with such editing. But remember to experiment with other photos as you level up to improve your skill.
