Clipping mask is an extremely helpful technique in Photoshop that helps to show one layer through another. They are often used to fit pictures inside shapes or text. Creating clipping mask on Photoshop can be difficult for beginners to understand. Let’s learn how to clip a photo using the clipping mask technique. We will give you a practical demonstration for better understanding. Le’ts get started.
What is a Clipping Mask On Photoshop?
Clipping mask is a Photoshop tool that works on layers. Image editors can clip the content of a photo as per a desired shape using this technique. This is achieved by putting one layer on top of another and limiting the visibility. The bottom layer serves as a mask. It shows only areas with content on the top layer. This is a non-destructive editing that gives the image editor flexibility during image manipulation.
For example, consider the word ‘TRAVEL’. You can place a photo of a mountain above it and apply the clipping mask technique in Photoshop. The mountain of the top layer will now only be visible through the shape of the letters. Everything else on the mountain will be invisible or in other words, will get masked. This method helps the editor integrate the image and text without the need to cut the image manually
How to Create a Clipping Mask on Photoshop: Step by Step
Creating clipping masks in Photoshop is a simple process. Let’s design a stylish text in a few simple steps to understand better how it works:
Our objective is to make plain black text colorful. It will have the color of a selected photo. In our case, we will take the word ‘VEGETABLE’ and give the font the color of real vegetables with a photo using the clipping mask in Photoshop.
Step 1: Choose your background
Select your background as per the needs of the design. We want our stylist texts to be on a white background. So, we have taken a plain white background in the bottom layer.
Step 2: Import the text ( base layer)
The base layer defines the shape of the design. Through the boundary line of this layer, the content of the clipped layer will be visible. As we are considering texts as our base layer, consider thick and bold fonts so that the content inside them is clearly visible.
Step 3: Import the photo to be clipped
Import the photo that you want to paint on the base layer. This photo layer is called the clipped layer. Keep this layer at the top of the successful application of the clipping mask.
Step 4: Apply clipping mask
There are several ways of applying the clipping mask in Photoshop. Right-click on the clipped layer. Select ‘create clipping mask’ from the options.
The clipped layer will be masked by the base layer. Below is how it will look after applying the clipping mask.
There are several alternate ways of applying this technique. For example, you can press and hold the ‘ALT’ key on the keyboard. Then hover around the clipped layer. You will see an arrow pointing downward. Just click on it and the clipping mask will be applied.
When to Use a Clipping Mask
Filling text with an image
Clipping masks are ideal for situations when you want an image to appear within or inside text.
Example: Use photos of vegetables and insert them inside the word ‘VEGETABLES’ as shown in the demonstration above.
Applying a pattern or texture within a shape
You can use image texture or any desired pattern to fill a circular shape, a triangle, or an icon.
Example: For designing a handmade product label, you can fill the heart shape with a desired texture.
Creating photo with brush stroke
Brush strokes or paint splatter PNGs are creative design work. You can add brush strokes to any images in Photoshop using the clipping mask effect.
Example: Clip a portrait photo using a watercolor brush shape to give a more realistic painted effect.
Non-destructive cropping of images
You can crop part of a design or image without permanently removing it. It is a non destructive process of image cropping that offers more flexibility for the image editors.
Example: Designers can show a portion of an image within a frame shape, keeping the rest of the image untouched with the application of the clipping mask.
Creating composite graphics
You need to apply advanced image editing techniques while designing composite graphics. You can add gradients and keep specific shapes and layers editable using clipping masks.
Example: Apply gradients or patterns by clipping shapes to adjust how the layers look in an image composition.
Clipping Mask Vs Layer Mask
Layer mask is a Photoshop technique that allows you to hide or show portions of a layer without needing to delete anything. You can paint on the mask with different colors. It gives image editors complete control over whether any portions of the layer are revealed and concealed.
On the other hand, with a clipping mask, the content of the top layer is only visible in the layer below. While both methods serve the same purpose of controlling visibility, they achieve this in different ways.
| Feature | Clipping Mask | Layer Mask |
| Works with | Multiple layers | Single layer |
| Content visibility | Content of the top layer | Black, white, and gray brush values |
| Common use | Filling shapes with an image | Hiding or showing parts of a layer |
| Editing | The layer stays separate | The mask is painted |
| Affects | Only the layer it is clipped to | The same layer it’s applied to |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Layer Order
Layer selection is often a confusing task for image editors. During clipping mask, the top layer should be the one you want to clip. If the base layer is on the top, the masking effect will not work.
Using a Base Layer Without Content
The base layer should have content with a specific shape. It cannot be blank, solid color or transparent. Without a specific base layer, nothing will show up through a clipping mask.
Attempting to Clip Multiple Layers Without First Grouping Them
It is not possible to clip several layers onto a single base layer unless you group the clipped layers. Otherwise, you need to clip them one by one.
Not Verifying the Visibility of the Layer
Image editors often turn off the visibility of a layer during the work. If the visibility of either the clipped or base layer is turned off, the clipping mask will not work.
Mistakenly Using a Layer Mask Instead
Clipping mask and layer mask are not the same. Choose the right option from the panel. After right clicking on the clipped layer, select ‘Create clipping mask’ carefully.
Applying adjustments to the wrong layer
If you want to apply any effect to any specific layer, select it first. Applying effects to the wrong layer will waste your time.
Clipping To a Locked Background Layer
If the background layer is locked, you can not apply the clipping mask technique. Make sure you are clicking on the ‘lock icon’ on the layer panel while working.
Using Base Layer with Soft Edge
The base layer must have a clear outline and shape. Photoshop will not be able to understand which area to clip if you use the base with a raster and unclear image.
Naming the Layers
If you are working with multiple layers, label them properly to avoid confusion. It will help you to keep the work organized.
Final Tips
Below are a few bonus tips that will help you bring great results with Photoshop clipping masks:
- Use a vector image as the base layer.
- Make sure the base layer has clear edges.
- Make the best use of the clipping mask for non destructive editing.
- Use clipping and layer masking combinedly for more flexibility.
- Practice with different shapes and photos for better understanding.
- Always save your work in PSD format for future edits.
- While working with multiple layers, create groups.
- Name the layers to avoid confusion.
FAQ
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Can clipping mask be applied to texts?
Yes, you can apply Photoshop clipping masks to text. For best results, the texts have to be bold with a clear outline.
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How can I remove the clipping mask?
To remove the clipping mask, right click on the clipped layer and select ‘Release clipping mask’. Alternatively, you can use keyboard shortcuts – CTRL+ALT+G ( Windows) or Option+Command+G (Mac).
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Can I use multiple clipped layers for a single base?
Yes, you can. Each layer should be clipped separately or group the layers first before applying the clipping mask.
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What file format should I choose to save my project?
Export the file in any preferred format. Keep a PSD file as well for future edits if required.
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Why is my clipping mask not working?
There can be several reasons. Check whether the base layer is unlocked. If the layer does not have content with a clear outline, then the clipping mask will not work. Additionally, make sure you are keeping the base layer below the clipped layer.
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Can I apply effects on the clipped layer?
Yes, you can apply effects and filters on the clipped layer without affecting the base.
Conclusion
Clipping mask is a great Photoshop tool for non destructive image manipulation. It allows the editors to manipulate images, keeping the original file intact. It ensures greater control and allows image editors creative flexibility. Clipping mask on Photoshop can be utilized at its best if you practice it with different types of images. Use it regularly in your future projects to bring great results.
