A clipping path is a selected clipping path, an outline, or shape, utilized in Photoshop to cut a selected image from a selected layer of image data. Anything within the clipping path will be included in the generated image; however, anything outside the clipping path will be excluded from the final output. There are different clipping paths available in Photoshop. Clipping paths can be created with a simple stroke of the mouse, or using the keyboard shortcuts Command/Ctrl + Z, or the mouse wheel. These shortcuts repeat the process for each selected image.
The first type of clipping path we will look at is the Selection Clipping Path. With this type, you simply select the desired image and use the arrow keys to create a selection. You can specify the length and width of the region you wish to include in your clipping path. After you create the selection, you can specify the starting point, or the end point, of your path; as well as the starting and ending times, in pixels.
Another type of clipping path available to photographers is the Background Removal Clipping Path. With this technique, the user creates a clipping path by selecting the particular part of the image that you wish to remove from the background. In the clipping path selection area, you can move the cursor to the particular part you wish to remove. Then, enter a value in the Paint Bucket’s value field for the specific part of the image that you wish to remove, as well as – in the case of multiple parts – the number of pixels to remove from the background. You can specify the start and end times in the Paint Bucket’s time selection mode.
A clipping path can also be edited in the layers panel. By selecting any layer in the layer palette, you can open up this panel. After creating clipping path selections, you can change their attributes by clicking on the appropriate toolbar buttons. The editing options include the new path type, which allow you to create new geometric path styles; the gradient tool lets you apply gradient-based stroke colors to your selected path; and the edit mode lets you adjust stroke, fill and style attributes of the selected path. You can even create copies of the selected path by using the ‘duplicate’ option.
Photoshop also provides a great tool for image masking. Masking is useful for creating complex, intricate shapes, like ellipse, square, circle and so on. It takes a lot of time-consuming work and experimentation to create a unique mask from multiple pieces of an image, but with Photoshop’s Image Masking tool, you can quickly mask a background image.
To use the clipping path service, select the ‘clipping path’ tool. Then click on the ‘blur’ option to generate a smooth, uniform white background. If you need to create a subtle background effect, use the ‘translucent’ option. This will make the area of the image that is not affected by the clipping path to be whiter.
You can also apply several effects to a single image by combining multiple clipping path services. For example, you can create a marquee effect by adding a selection rectangle and a plane. Select a rectangular selection area in your desired position and then enter a positive V/min/max for the depth and width values. You can use negative values for a dark effect or a bright effect for a bright marquee.
Photoshop has many advanced features, but one that is definitely worth having is the built-in clipping path tool. This feature makes photo editing so much easier, especially for beginners. With Photoshop, you can easily perform a variety of time-consuming tasks, such as editing and developing photos, without needing any extra Adobe Photoshop tutorials.
