Do you know what the clipping path is in Photoshop? If you’re new to the concept, don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. In this tutorial, we will see the clipping path in detail. This guide covers in detail everything you need to know about clipping path and how to use it in Photoshop. Since clipping path and image masking are confused by most people, we will discuss their differences. We’ll also go through a detailed step-by-step process for creating a clipping path. This can be very useful for new designers.
This tutorial is aimed at beginners, but more advanced users can also learn something new here. So, are you ready to learn what a clipping path is? Let us begin.
What is the clipping path?
The first thing to do is understand what Clipping Path really is. It is a process by which you can either add a white background instead of on any image.
The clipping path allows you to create a shape or a close vector path and clip a part of an image with the Pen tool. This is a great way to remove the background from an image. You can also use the clipping path to crop a part of an image or change only a small region of the image.
Designers identify different types of clipping paths. You can use the easy method of drawing a path around an image with the Pen Tool, or you can also use the Clipping Path to do much more complex things, like dip an image into different parts and use each part separately in an image. If you want to remove the background from an image, you should use clipping path techniques because it will give it a smooth edge.
Clipping Path vs. Image Masking
Many people confuse clipping path with image mask in Photoshop. The truth is that they are both extremely different things. Let’s take a look at how clipping path and image masking compare.
Clipping path and masking images are useful techniques in Photoshop. They can help you separate the background from the foreground of an image. But both vary in their methods.
The clipping path uses the Pen tool to remove the background. On the other hand, Image Masking uses three different ways to change parts of an image. Image Masking includes Clipping Mask, Layer Mask, and Alpha Chanel Mask. They use different techniques to change parts of an image and can do much more than just remove the background.
The clipping path is preferred when the foreground image has sharp edges and is easy to separate from the background. It takes more time compared to masking images as you have to draw the path around the image with the Pen tool.
Both clipping path and image masking are widely used by graphic designers to add a bit of flair to their designs. They can be used to combine different layers and images together to create some really beautiful banners, logos, and web images in Photoshop.
Guide to creating a clipping path in Photoshop
Clipping path is one of the most used techniques in Photoshop, and it can greatly enhance your designs. If you are new to this, you can follow our step-by-step guide to learn more.
Step 1: Open the image
The first step is to open the image you want to crop from. Go to File-> Open and browse for the image to select it. This image will appear on the background layer and you can see it in the Layers Panel.
Step 2: choose the tool
Now, you need to choose the Pen tool from the toolbar. It is easy to spot as the icon looks like a pen. You can use this tool to draw a clipping path around the image. You can also use the shortcut ‘P’ to select the tool.
Step 3: draw a path
You can use the Pen tool to create a clipping path around the image. This takes a bit of time, but hold on. Add anchor points to complete the image path. You can also remove the anchor points if you make a mistake. You can see the route being created in the Routes Panel.
Step 4: save the route
Once you’ve created the path with the Pen tool, you need to save it. Go to the Routes Panel and find the route you have drawn. Double-click on it and click Save Path. You can name it whatever you want and save it.
Step 5: cut out the path
Again, go to the Routes Panel and open the menu. Look for the option that says “Clipping Path.” This will turn your image into a clipping path.
Leave the flatness value blank and click ‘OK’. Later you can change this value, but right now you can leave it at 0 and it won’t cause any problems.
Step 6: Save as EPS
Once you’ve created a clipping path, you’re ready to use the image without its background. But first, you need to save it as EPS. Go to Save As and choose EPS format from the drop-down list.
Step 7: use the image
You can use this image without a background in your images. You can open this EPS file in Adobe software like InDesign, Illustrator, and also Photoshop.
Where can the clipping path be used?
Now that you know how you can create a clipping path in Photoshop, you must be excited to try it out for yourself. You can use this technique to remove the background from an image. But there is so much more you can do with the clipping paths in Photoshop.
Edit Product Photos: You can use the clipping path to make your product images look great. This is a great way to remove background clutter and make your product stand out. If you have an e-commerce site, learning how to use the Clipping Path can be very helpful.
Graphic Design: Clipping Path is a great way to edit logos, images, and illustrations. You can use these images to design posters, packaging, book illustrations, and other cool things. Clipping Path can be very useful for graphic designers.
Make Your Banners and Web Images Stand Out – You can also use the clipping path to create beautiful banners and images for your websites. You can use the clipping path to add different images to your site and grab the attention of users.
Use in image editing: Clipping paths can also be useful when or photos. It can help you combine multiple images and take your editing game to the next level. You can use the technique to remove the background and add a completely different feel to the image.
Architecture and Designs – Lastly, you can use the Clipping Path to create beautiful interior and architecture designs in Photoshop. If you want to impress your clients, this technique can be very useful.
These were some of the ways you can use the clipping path in Photoshop. There is much more you can do with this skill, once you learn how to do it correctly.
Final verdict
The clipping path in Photoshop can be very useful for graphic designers. It can help you create some unique designs and make your work look more amazing.
We hope this tutorial has been useful to you. We cover Clipping Path in detail. The step-by-step guide can be great for beginners looking for an easy-to-follow guide to Clipping Path. We also looked at different ways that you can use the clipping path in your designs.
However, if you want to become an expert, you have to keep practicing and learning. Clipping Path is not very difficult to learn, but if you want to become an expert, you have to practice and try new things yourself.
