Learn to Create Clipping Path Layer in Photoshop: 7 Ninja Steps

The E-commerce industry relies heavily on photo-enhancing skills. So, having expertise in the clipping path layer in Photoshop can help you produce lifelike pictures with minimal effort. To keep up with the online product promotion trend, producing natural, visually striking images is a must. ‘Clipping Path’ offers the advantage of working with the image’s opacity, layers, and colours. If you want to master this skill, with practice and time, you’ll figure it out very well.

How to Make a Clipping Path Layer in Photoshop

Even if this is the first time you’ll be using Adobe Photoshop, following the procedures below, you can master the clipping path in Photoshop in no time.

1. Enable Pen Tool

Before you set off, make sure the pen tool is selected in Photoshop. If not, you can simply head to the Toolbar and then select the pen tool.

Before proceeding to the next step, select the Combined Shapes option to draw paths. This feature is present in the Path option located in the Options Bar.

2. Start to Trace

Afterwards, everything depends on how well you can handle that pen. Zooming in on the image will make the tracing much easier. Use the Pen Tool to click and trace the object’s borders.

Continue the clicking motion until the area is covered, making sure you don’t release the mouse. Be sure to work your way through the entire object neatly for better results.

As the pen returns to the starting point, a small circle will appear, indicating the endpoint. You don’t have to be stressed about making any mistakes, as there is a Direct Selection Tool that you can use to your advantage to bring any change in your path points.

3. Seal It Up

After successful clipping, save the new path with a name for easier identification.

Clicking on the Save Path option in the Panel menu will get the work done in no time.

4. The Original Technique to Create Clipping Path

One reason for using a clipping path is to ensure that the background of your image stays clipped when you transfer the file from Adobe Photoshop to other design software.

To perform this task, click the Panel menu, then select the Clipping Path option.

5. Removal of the Bottom Layer

These steps can be used to remove the Background without hiring a professional clipping path service. Thus, it comes in quite handy when editing images for personal use.

1. First, open the Layers Panel to verify that your selected layer is unlocked. If it’s locked, you can double-click it to name it Layer 0.
2. Then, you will have to select the Make Selection option from the Path menu.
3. From here, make sure the feather radius is 0.
4. In a sequence, you can use the dropdown menu to find the Select option, then Modify, and lastly, Contract.
5. After that, you will see a dialogue box where you can simply set the contract radius to 1. This ensures the background objects are isolated on the new layer.

6. Farewell to the background

Before you add the layer mask, go to the Layers Panel to ensure the desired layer is selected for a clipping mask. At the bottom, you will find the clipping mask icon.

This creates a clipping mask that will completely separate your layers.

7. Save Your Path

Finally, you will see a separate layer to release the clipping mask option. To seal the deal, you have to save the path, as Photoshop tends to create a Work Path each time you draw a new path.

You won’t want your paths to get messed up, would you? To avoid such a scenario, select the Panel option, then choose Save Path.                 

Suggestions for Improving Clipping Path Layer in Photoshop

If you properly follow the steps we guided you through, you should do just fine. However, there are some extra tips that can elevate your efficiency.

Let’s have a quick look –

1. Draw the minimum number of paths required. Too many paths can reduce the image quality.
2. Keeping the Rubber band option activated will help you increase the accuracy. You can find it in Photoshop’s Path settings.
3. Pressing Ctrl and the S button simultaneously will save your paths immediately.
4. Pressing Ctrl and Z simultaneously will delete any mistake that you want to discard.
5. Using the default Pen option will provide you with the best path results.

Conclusion

Whether it’s for personal or professional use, a clipping path ensures standard quality editing. If you follow our guidelines on how to make a clipping path a layer in Photoshop, you should be able to remove the background from an object in no time. The smooth clipping will allow you to get the other edits done properly, too.  Thus making your pictures stand out in the bunch without any second  doubts. Just get yourself accustomed to the pen tool, and the remaining steps for the clipping path layer in Photoshop should feel like a piece of cake!