How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop

These days for photo creativity, we need to do a clipping path. E-commerce is unimaginable without the clipping path service. With the advancement of technology, Photoshop has got its new version called Photoshop CC. 

Whether you have Photoshop or Photoshop CC, you can learn how to create a clipping path in Photoshop with our perfectly explained tutorial. But, first, let’s see the two methods for two different Photoshop versions. So, let us walk you through the process without wasting further time.

How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop 

Here are the step-by-step procedures for the clipping path in Photoshop and Photoshop CC. You should apply the steps according to the two software you have on your PC installed. So, let’s begin. 

Using Photoshop

Photoshop is the most basic version of Adobe Photoshop. It has all the necessary photo editing functions, but those are not updated. However, you can get a perfect path using it. 

Step 1. Open the Image

First, open the Photoshop software and upload the photo you will edit by clicking on File > Open

Open the Image To Create Clipping Path

Step 2. Select Pen Tool 

Check the left toolbar; you will find the Pen tool there. Select it. 

Select Pen Tool

Step 3. Selecting Path 

You need to choose a new path to create a clipping of the picture. If the path option is not shown automatically, search for the “Window” option above in the menu. 

Selecting Path

Step 4. Drawing Path 

Start drawing the path and give it the right shape of the photo you are working on. 

Drawing Clipping Path

Step 5. Drawing Clipping Path Around the Subject

Whatever the subject is in your image, draw a path around the edges and perfectly clip the path. 

How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop

Step 6. Make Selection

Select the path by pressing Ctrl + Enter. 

Select the clipping path

Step 7. Add Smoothness

Add some smoothness to the subject edges by applying 0.5 feathers. Go to Select > Modify > Feather to do so. For the shortcut, press Shift + F6

smooth edges applying feathers

Step 8. Make a Duplicate Layer Layer and Mask it

Make the duplicate layer of the image background, mask it, and pick a firm color layer toward the center. 

Mask the image background using Clipping Path

Now you have successfully made a clipping path for the photo. 

With Photoshop CC 

Photoshop CC is the advanced and updated version of Photoshop. Also, it will cost you money since it’s a subscription-based package. However, you can do pro-level photo edits with less effort if you have it, even doing clipping paths. 

Step 1. Open Image 

Upload the photo you plan to edit by Ctrl + O (on Windows) or Cmd + O (on Mac). 

Open Image in Adobe Photoshop CC

Step 2. Choose Pen Tool and Use 

Select the Pen Tool from the left option box. For the shortcut, press [P]. Next, click upon the image for the selection and start drawing a path around the selected subject. When drawing the path, make sure you don’t cross the edge lines. This way, you will get the perfect output. 

When you need to draw a path inside a subject like this cup handle, there will open a new path. Look at the photos shown below to avoid any inconvenience. 

Choose Pen Tool and Use

Step 3. Pick Exclude Overlapping Shape 

There is a selection submenu to find an option labeled “Path Operation.” Now, from the drop-down menu, choose Exclude Overlapping Shape. We chose this since we are working on an image containing more than one line. 

Path Operation

Step 4. Create Clipping Path and Apply 

Hold down the key Alt (on Windows) or Option (on Mac). Next, create a path by going around the entire subject. After creating the path, click over the real path point and close it. 

Create Clipping Path

Step 5. Save Path 

Save the path by going to the path panel and clicking twice over the Work Path. Then, rename the path as you want. 

Save Clipping Path

Step 6. Remove Background 

It’s time to eliminate the background for cutting out the subject. To do so, click on the submenu selection on top and select the mask option. 

Remove Background Using Clipping Path

Step 7. Apply Layer Mask 

Click twice on the “Add Layer Mask option and press okay to remove the background. Then, choose the photo and save it in any file format you wish from PSD, JPEG, TIFF. 

Remove the background in Photoshop CC

FAQs

How do I create a path in Photoshop?

There are various ways of creating paths in Photoshop. Use these tools below and make paths in Adobe Photoshop. The tools are: 
Pen Tool
● Shapes Tool 

How do I turn a path into a selection in Photoshop?

Turning a path into selection is very easy. Press Ctrl + Enter (for Windows) or Cmd + Return (for Mac), all you need to do. Then, Photoshop automatically will convert the path into a selection.

How do you create multiple paths in Photoshop?

Combine paths in Adobe Photoshop CC following the steps below: 
1. Click over any path from the path palette.
2. Click again over any other path from the palette to paste the previous path in it. 
3. Now, both the paths will get combined.
4. Continue doing it until you combine all the paths. 

Closing Remarks 

Clipping Path service is getting more and more demands since the number of online product promotions is increasing. Customers show interest in items that look appealing. Through the path, it’s possible to make product images look more eye-catching. 

It can be for commercial purposes or personal, but clipping paths will always be necessary. The importance of a path is huge, and so you must know how to create a clipping path in Photoshop. 

I hope this tutorial was a big help for you. We have more such Photoshop tutorials to learn how to remove shadows, double chins, etc. You should check them out too.

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