How to Apply a Clipping Path in Photoshop

E-commerce products need **sharp and clear images** to increase sales. A **clean white background** makes items stand out. However, removing a product’s background using Photoshop can be **tricky** and very **time-consuming**.

One way to save yourself some time is by using clipping paths. Clipping paths are simply closed vector shapes that are used to mask out or “clip” certain areas of an image. Most companies use this technique to remove the background of an image and make it transparent.

In this article, we’ll show you how to apply a clipping path in Photoshop so that you can quickly and easily remove the background from your product images. We’ll also teach you how to utilize clipping path services to help you save even more time on image editing.

In this Guide:

• What is a Clipping Path?
• Why is Clipping Path Important?
• Why is it Better to Outsource Clipping Path Services?
• How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop?
• Clipping Path Services by Pixel by Hand

What is a Clipping Path?

• When you need to remove the background from an image
• When you need to make an image’s background transparent
• When you want to create a pure white backdrop for your product images
• When you want to add your product images to a lifestyle photo
• When you need to create product mockups

Why is Clipping Path Important?

Currently, the clipping path is in high demand due to the growing number of online businesses, as well as advertising for various goods to make them appear appealing to customers’ eyes. The clipping path is one of the best and easiest ways to remove an image’s background without affecting the quality of the image.

Clipping paths are used to draw attention to the items displayed on a website. It’s a technique used in different industries including the fashion industry, electronic companies, toy companies, jewelry businesses, marketing companies, architecture, and interior design businesses. Large enterprises like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and other e-commerce firms also rely heavily on clipping path solutions for to enhance their product images.

Aside from creating amazing product photos, clipping paths are also used for numerous purposes. This technique is heavily used also in graphic design, web image optimization, banner designing, and other work.

Why is it Better to Outsource Clipping Path Services?

Outsourcing your clipping path services can save you a lot of time and hassle. Trying to remove the background from an image using Photoshop’s various tools can be a very painstaking and time-consuming process.

It’s also worth noting that not all images are created equal. Some photos may be easier to remove the background from than others. For example, photos with a lot of contrast between the subject and the background will be much easier to work with than photos with a busy or complicated background.

If you don’t have the time or patience to learn how to use Photoshop’s various tools for removing backgrounds, then it’s definitely worth considering outsourcing your clipping path services.

At Pixel by Hand, we have a team of highly skilled editors who are experts at creating clipping paths. We’re able to quickly and easily remove the background from any image, no matter how complex it may be.

How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop

Now that we’ve gone over what clipping paths are and why you should consider using them, let’s take a look at how to create a clipping path in Photoshop.

As we mentioned earlier, clipping paths can be created with the Pen Tool or any of the other shape tools in Photoshop. For the purposes of this quick tutorial, we’ll be using the Pen Tool.

Step 1: Upload your Image after launching Adobe Photoshop
Open your product image in Photoshop. You can do this by going to File > Open.

Step 2: From the main toolbar, select the pen tool
Once your image is open, select the Pen Tool from the Tools palette. Now that you have the Pen Tool selected, zoom in on the area of the image that you want to create a clipping path for.

Step 3: Select a new path
To select a new path, you’ll need to click on the “Create new path” icon in the options bar. This is located just above your image.

Step 4: Start tracing the outline of your subject
Now that you have a new path selected, you can start tracing the outline of your subject. As you trace around the edge of your subject, you’ll see that a path is being created.

To trace the edge of your subject, you’ll need to click around the edge of the image to create anchor points. As you work your way around the image, be sure to zoom in so that you can better see what you’re doing.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to be precise when creating your clipping path. In fact, it’s often better to be slightly imprecise so that you don’t end up with a jagged edge.

Step 5: Once you’ve reached the starting point, close the path
Once you’ve reached the starting point, you’ll need to close the path. To do this, simply click on the starting point. This will create a straight line from the starting point to the end point of your path.

Step 6: Save your path
Now that you’ve created your clipping path, you’ll need to save it. To do this, go to the Paths palette and click on the “Make work path from active layer” icon.

Step 7: Apply your clipping path
Now that you’ve saved your path, you can apply it to your image. To do this, go to the Layers palette and select your image layer. Then, click on the “Add Layer Mask” icon.

Step 8: Select your path
With your layer mask selected, go to the Paths palette and select your path.

Step 9: Inverse your selection
Now that you have your path selected, you’ll need to inverse your selection. To do this, go to Select > Inverse.

Step 10: Fill your layer mask with black
With your inverse selection made, you can now fill your layer mask with black. To do this, go to Edit > Fill and select “Black” from the drop-down menu.

And that’s it! You’ve now successfully created a clipping path in Photoshop.

Clipping Path Services by Pixel by Hand

If you don’t have the time or patience to learn how to create clipping paths in Photoshop, then you can always outsource your clipping path services to a professional.

At Pixel by Hand, we have a team of highly skilled editors who are experts at creating clipping paths. We’re able to quickly and easily remove the background from any image, no matter how complex it may be.

If you’d like to learn more about our clipping path services or if you have any questions, feel free to contact us today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you get started. Feel free to use the chatbox below!