Master Clipping Path Creation in Photoshop: A Simple Guide

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Clipping path | 7 comments

Clipping path pictures are largely used in web-based businesses. Photographers and image editors also use it to combine multiple subjects or alter the background of an image.

When other methods fail, you can remove, cut out, or clip an item or product from its background using a powerful Photoshop tool called a clipping path. This approach is beneficial when your product is featured against a complicated or multicolored background.

Since I did freelancing on photoshop for the last five years, I know a lot about the different features of photoshop. Do you know how to use a clipping path? If not, then you have to keep continuing your reading. I have included How to create a Clipping Path in Photoshop in this article.

What is Photoshop’s Clipping Path?

The clipping path involves removing the subject and creating paths to alter the background. The clipping path is a closed vector path or an outline of a shape created with photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop. The clipping paths can be used with a variety of Adobe Photoshop tools.

However, to create an outline and remove the selected portion from the main image, you have to use the Pen Tool so that you can draw around the subject. It is a useful and efficient tool for altering photo backgrounds.

The software suite’s standard interface’s editing components can be shifted in various ways to improve workflow. With its developer tools, Lightroom provides some mobility.

Capture One also outperforms Adobe’s rival regarding how layers are handled in its interface. Single layers can be set in Capture One for nearly all of its support tools.

Creating a Clipping Path in Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop makes it simple to create any clipping path. The pen tool is the only tool you need to know how to use when clipping. The steps to clipping any photo are outlined in the following points.

Step-1: Open the File

First, Launch Adobe Photoshop and load your photo.

Launch Adobe Photoshop and load your picture.

Step-2: Pen tool: Setup is important

To create a clipping path, use the Photoshop Pen tool. You will notice that Photoshop’s Pen tool is almost identical to Adobe Illustrator’s. However, you must ensure your settings are correct to create a clipping path rather than a shape with the tool.

Photoshop Pen tool

In your picture report, select the Pen Apparatus. It can be found in the Toolbar, or you can type p to have it picked for you automatically. You can find the Pen Tool’s settings on the Options Bar at the top of the application window. Choose Combine Shapes and Path.

combine shapes in Photoshop

Clipping Path Work may help you achieve tight deadlines for product photo editing. Demand a 6-hour answer.

Step-3: Establish Anchor Points

First, use the pen tool to zoom in on your image to see the edges. Maintaining it at nearly 300% is preferable. Because of this, you can accurately draw the Path. At this point, start pointing at the corners of the object you want to cut out. These locations are referred to as anchor points. Keep on making marks until you arrive at the starting spot.

Create Anchor Points with Pen tool in Photoshop

When separating items from one another, you need to be careful with the edges to give them a more natural appearance. Therefore, ensure that your mark is as precise as possible.

Check out this video lesson by Cristi Kerekes to learn all you need to know about the Pen Tool in Photoshop.

Step 4: Save the path

After you have finished marking:

1. Go to the layer panel.
2. Select the path tab.

Save the path in Photoshop

3. Select Save Path from the menu in the upper left corner right now.
4. Give it the name Path 1 as well.

Step 5: Create a Clipping Path

Press the right button to select the clipping path.

A pop-up box will contain a selection menu. One of the boxes is flatness. The distance from the image’s edge to the clipping path is measured by flatness. The smoothness of the image is determined by it.

Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop
In addition, as the flatness value increases, the edge becomes blurry. The border will be more crisp and smooth if the value is lower.

Step-6: Save Your Picture

Save your photo at last. Done! Remember that you can easily edit this file later if you want to complete this task again. Additionally, you can send it to someone else.

Take care when saving both the JPEG and PSD files. It allows you to use the image however you want. You can use the image to make any changes you want after saving it. You could, for instance, alter the background of the image.

Make Selection option with the right mouse in Photoshop
After creating the clipping path in Photoshop, select the Make Selection option with the right mouse. That’s all. It would be best if you got rid of the image backdrop. Done!
Clipping Path to Remove Background in Photoshop

Learn how to use the Pen tool in Photoshop to its full potential. It explains how to use the Pen tool to draw pathways and complicated shapes and transform them into selections or vector masks. Use the Direct Selection tool to alter paths and create flawless edges for forms, shows, and selections.

Frequently asked questions

I included the most common queries about How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop in this section.

1. When is a clipping path necessary?

It would be best if you had a clipping path for the following causes:

  • When a product needs to be shown against a white or plain background. 
  • When you need to show your product against a background that is transparent.
  • When you want to include your product alongside others in a composite photograph.
  • When you want to change the color of all or a portion of your product (important if you have multiple colors of the same item).
  • Whenever you need to separate your product from the rest of the image.

2. What tools are required to create a clipping path in Photoshop?

You can edit various images in any way you want with Adobe Photoshop’s numerous tools. Additionally, multiple tools are required to create a clipping path. However, the Pen Tool is the most frequently required tool.

3. How do I choose the Path I made?

The selection process is different depending on your computer or device. You can select the Path by pressing CTRL+Enter on Windows. On the other hand, MAC users must select by pressing CMD+Return.

4. Are masking and clipping paths identical in Photoshop?

Despite their apparent similarity, masking and clipping Path differ in a few ways. The Pen Tool is used to create the clipping path. Masking, on the other hand, necessitates using tools like Refine Mask, Background Erase, and Magic Eraser. In addition, the editing procedures for the two are distinct.

5. Why does using a clipping mask cause my image to disappear?

The most common cause is forgetting or failing to notice the overlay on the bottom layer. Consequently, the image vanishes when clipping masking is applied.

6. How does Photoshop CC make a clipping path?

In Photoshop CC, you can create a clipping path in the following ways: In your Photoshop CC application, open the image. Pick out the Pen Tool. Draw the Path of the clipper around the subject. Press CTRL+Enter to make the determination. Choose the new route.

Final Thoughts

If you know How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop, your editing skills can be enhanced. The clipping path is commonly used in most highly edited images in high demand. Therefore, creating a clipping path in Photoshop is essential if you want to work as a professional photo editor.

It is difficult to learn how to make a clipping path in Photoshop. If you have some prior experience with such editing, you should be able to learn this fairly quickly.

It’s nice to share good things.

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7 Comments

  1. William

    Thank you for this detailed guide on creating a clipping path in Photoshop Your step-by-step instructions are very clear and helpful. I especially appreciate the tips on using the Pen Tool and the importance of setting anchor points accurately. This will definitely improve my photo editing skills. Looking forward to more tutorials like this!

    Reply
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