Any idea on how to create clipping paths in Photoshop? It is a popular cut-out technique. You can use it to create attention-grabbing and professional-grade visuals. It enables you to isolate the object from the backdrop. Professionals use it for e-commerce, design, photography, or marketing purposes.
But creating hand-drawn, precise outlines around subjects is not a no-brainer job. Practice is the key to becoming on it. This article will help you create perfect clipping paths in Photoshop step-by-step. Let’s dive in!
What is a Clipping Path?
A clipping path is a powerful graphic design technique. Professionals also it deep etch or deep etching. They use it to make a selection and cut out or isolate the subject from the background. It involves using straight lines and anchor points. This gives you more control over the path’s direction and curvature. Instead of selecting the entire photo frame, you just focus on the product, person, or a specific object and extract it from the backdrop. Let’s understand different types of deep etching.
Simple Clipping Path
Products or objects with basic, straightforward shapes are perfect for a simple, deep etching. They have smooth and uncomplicated edges. This technique is ideal for items like smartphones, bottles, packaging boxes, etc. You can complete it with a single layer in Photoshop.
Multi-clipping Path
When your product or object has rough and complex edges, you have to divide it into several sections in multiple layers in Photoshop. You usually create a clipping path for each element separately. Products like jewelry, hair, shoes with laces, plants, etc., need multi-deep etching services.
Why is Clipping Path Important?
- This powerful closed vector path technique enables an editor to cut out an object from the backdrop or remove the background. The output will be clean and professional look.
- It gives you the flexibility to save the edited image in various file formats in Photoshop, such as JPG, TIFF, EPS, and PSD.
- You can use the Pen Tool in Photoshop to produce deep etching. This tool is more accurate than the magic wand, especially for complex shapes and clean edges.
- It reduces your valuable time as the tool creates a defined boundary without processing unnecessary surrounding areas. You will get better results, too.
- Graphic designers use this technique for background removal, image manipulation, and creating transparent backgrounds.
- E-commerce businesses use this editing technique to create white backgrounds and improve product presentation.
- You can use this versatile editing technique to create complex collages and compositions, as well as product catalogs.
You may also like to read… What is Image Clipping and Why Do We Need It?
When to Use a Clipping Path?
- To present your product in a white, neutral, or transparent background
- Showcasing your product variants in different colors or shapes sequentially
- Specially edit particular elements within a photo
- Maintain consistency across all product images
- Restoring or manipulating specific parts of an image
Tutorial: How to Create Clipping Paths in Photoshop?
Just because you have not created clipping paths in Photoshop before doesn’t mean you can’t do it. The following are the hands-on instructions to complete this photo editing task.
Step:01—Import the Image
Launch your Adobe Photoshop software. Select File> Open and then choose your preferred image. Or use the drag-and-drop technique to add the image to the application.
Step:02—Select Pen Tool
- Navigate to the toolbar area from the left side. Stop at the lower half of the Photoshop toolbar. There is a group of tools visible on the screen. Select the Pen tool.
- The tool looks like a fountain pen tip. It is a bit challenging to use due to its functionality, which differs from other tools. You have to deal with anchor points and bezier curves. Practice at least a few times for better control.
Step:03—Choose A New Path
Go to the main Photoshop window from the top area. Customize the tools based on your requirements. Choose the “Path” option from the drawing modes to create a new path. You can also adjust the thickness, color, and rubber band effect from the option bars. Otherwise, keep the flatness setting blank and tap on the “OK” option to save the settings.
Step:04—Make a Clipping Path
- Tap on the edge of the object or canvas where you want the first anchor point to be. You will notice a small square. This will be considered as the starting point of the deep etching.
- Add more anchor points by tapping the objects and continuously drawing the path. Review the shape of your subject carefully to plan how many anchor points are needed. It will also affect the duration of creating the entire deep etching.
Step:05—Add Curves and Angles
- Does your object have round or intricate edges? If so, you want to add curves for better control over the path. Select the Curvature Pen tool from the drop-down list of the Pen tool. To create a curve, click and drag your mouse to the next anchor point.
- Add direction handles or Bezier handles to achieve smooth curves around the object. After creating an anchor point, drag the mouse to extend the direction handle. Adjust its direction and length to give it a perfect shape.
Step:06—Make a Selection
- Once you have created a perfect clipping path, make a selection by pressing the ‘Ctrl + Enter ‘button.
- Choose Select > Modify > Feather. Alternatively, hit the ‘Shift + F6’ button on your keyboard.
- Keep the feather radius scale 0.5–2 pixels initially to smooth the edges. It is perfect for creating crisp, well-defined edges.
Step:07—Convert the Selection
- Navigate to the Context Menu. Right-click on the clipping path. Select the ‘Make Selection’ icon to transform the outline into a selection.
- Adjust the feather radius based on your requirements. Preview it to understand how the final output will look like? Finally, hit the ‘OK’ button.
- Go to the layer panel and create a copy of the background layer. Lastly, copy the layer mask to mask the photo.
Step:08—Save the Path
- Go to the Paths panel. The new path will be visible as Work Path. You have to save it as a work path is temporary. When you create a new path, it will replace the current work path.
- Right-click on it and choose the ‘Save Path’ option. Add a new name for this path and tap on the ‘OK’ icon. You can use it for future purposes.
Step:09— Repeat the Process
- Do you need to produce more paths on the same image? If so, repeat the same steps from 3 to 8. Use the Pen tool every time you generate a closed vector outline. Save the new path separately with a unique icon.
- The options to create closed vector paths are unlimited. You can utilize different tools, like the Direct Selection Tool, Convert Point Tool, etc., for better editing.
How to Merge Several Paths in Photoshop?
Are you working on complex designs? If so, you may have already created multiple paths. But how do you merge all paths to create a single path? Let’s learn the shortcut technique.
Step 01: Go to the toolbar area and tap on the Path Selection Tool option. Or simply press the A button on the keyboard.
Step 02: Hover over the Options Bars area. It enables you to customize various workspace settings. Tap on the ‘Combine’ option to combine all paths into one unit.
Step 03: Use the same option to do different tasks, such as combining, subtracting, intersecting, or excluding overlapping path sections.
You may also like to read… Why do Image Editors need Multi Clipping Path Services?
How do you create a custom path shape in Photoshop?
Sometimes, you may need to design unique shapes or graphics for creative illustrations or product cut-outs. So, what is the right way to create a custom shape? Let’s figure it out!
Step-01: Navigate to the toolbar area from the left side. Stop at the lower half of the Photoshop toolbar. There is a group of tools visible on the screen. Select the Pen tool.
Step-02: Go to the main Photoshop window from the top area. Customize the tools based on your requirements. Choose the “Path” mode in the Options Bar.
Step-03: Use the click-and-drag technique to create a unique path shape based on your requirements.
Step-04: Hover over the toolbar area and select the Direct Selection tool to control the anchor points and curves of the path.
Step-05: After creating the path, select the Edit option from the menu bar. Next, choose the ‘Define Custom Shape’ option from the drop-down lists. Add a name and hit the ‘OK’ button.
Step-06: Now, pick the Custom Shape Tool from the toolbar section to create a unique shape. Select a shape from the Options Bars. Add a unique color and style to it.
Best Practices on Creating Clipping Paths in Photoshop
- Always use the default Pen Tool in Photoshop. It contains standard settings for better control over edits.
- Use the Ctrl, Alt, Space, and Shift buttons to make fast adjustments and speed up editing tasks. You don’t need to rely on the menus. It also boosts your productivity.
- Utilize the Rubber Band option to preview the path segment before placing the next anchor point. This will ensure a more accurate closed vector path.
- Zoom in on the image appropriately to work on smaller areas easily. You can better focus on edges while creating deep etching in Photoshop.
- Always use vector masking while creating deep etching. It enables you to do hassle-free resizing. Avoid using the rasterizing option. It causes bad quality when you resize the image.
- Add a unique name while creating multi-deep etching in several layers. It will help you find the specific layer easily.
- Use tools like Direct Selection and Convert Anchor Point tools to fine-tune your deep etching.
- Press Ctrl+Z to undo your edits and SHIFT+CTRL+Z to redo your edits. Create a habit of pressing Ctrl+S after every few minutes to avoid losing any editing work.
You may also like to read… How to Make a Clipping Path in Illustrator in 3 Steps?
Difference Between Clipping Path & Clipping Mask
Confused between clipping path and clipping mask? Let’s understand the topic in detail to clear up your mixed thoughts.
FAQs
- Can I create a complex object by clipping paths in Photoshop?
Yes, you can create a deep etching on complex objects using the Pen Tool for images with detailed edges.
- What file formats support clipping paths?
You can save clipping paths in TIFF, JPEG, and PSD formats in Adobe Photoshop.
- Are clipping paths non-destructive?
Yes, it is a non-destructive background removal technique to separate one or several elements from the backdrop.
- Does Photoshop’s AI Generative Fill create a clipping path on an object?
No, you can use Photoshop’s AI Generative Fill option to create deep etching because it can’t make vector paths.
Wrapping UP
Clipping paths in Photoshop is a popular image editing technique professionals use for better and quicker background removal. Images with simple shapes may appear easier. But complex shapes take a lot of practice to create pixel-perfect deep etching. If you need to edit clipping paths on bulk complex images, hire a professional service provider to get the best results and save time.
