Introducing clipping paths for masking

Masks are great for hiding and helpful parts of layers without actually removing the actual pixels to be hidden. Clipping paths of layer are one way of creating a mask and you had to know how to create paths to use them. Try this technique, where we use an outline on one layer to clip the other layer in the composition.


im1   im2

Using a clipping path masking is a non-destructive approach of incorporating shapes into a design.

Primary Tip: Here we clip just one layer but you can add many of layers to make a clipping group. Make sure that mask layer is at the bottom of the stack, not essentially at the bottom of the Layers palette, which all of the layers to be clipped sit directly higher than it.


First, collect everything you need. Then include a background or file where you're now working, a subject with a proper shape to clip to and at least one image to fill the clipped shaped when it's complete.


Second, We need a plain background, where we can use magic tools to select the background first (for easiest way). Now we go to the Select menu and choose Inverse, then the leaf is selected.


Third, use the move tool to drag the leaf into the waiting window background. First time to drag, it shows the leaf is being cut out but it's being copied from one window to another window.


Fourth, when the leaf appears on a layer then indicate the transparent area surrounding it. Then continue building the image by dragging on the layers that will give the fill for the masked shape. So, we've added an image of autumn leaves.


Fifth, You make sure the layer providing the shape is on the bottom which can't be the background layer. Then click on the fill layer which is the active layer in the Layers palette. Next, go to the layers menu and choose create clipping mask. There have also another command, which name palette menu.


Finally, The fill layer is clipped to the shape of the leaf below. In the Layers palette thumbnail of the clipped layer is indented and arrow shows the relationship. Then use the move tool to change the position the fill layer in the image. Thank you

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