Background removal with Clipping Paths

“Mastering the Art of Precise Image Isolation for Professional Visuals”

Background removal is a crucial technique in the realm of image editing and graphic design. It involves isolating the subject or object in an image from its background, resulting in a clean and versatile visual element that can be used in various creative projects. Whether you’re working in e-commerce, photography, advertising, or graphic design, understanding how to remove backgrounds effectively is a valuable skill.

In this guide, we will explore the process of background removal using a clipping path technique. We’ll cover the essential steps, from selecting the right image editing software to creating precise paths, converting them into selections, and ultimately removing backgrounds. Whether you’re a beginner looking to grasp the basics or a seasoned professional seeking to refine your skills, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and techniques needed to achieve clean and captivating images.

Let’s dive into the world of background removal with clipping paths and discover how to unlock the creative potential it offers.

Do You Have Bulk Images To Edit?

Background removal with Clipping Path_

Clipping path is a technique used in graphic design and image editing to remove the background of an image and isolate the subject or object. It involves creating a vector path or outline around the subject, which acts as a mask to hide or reveal parts of the image. This technique is commonly used in various industries such as e-commerce, photography, and advertising to create clean and visually appealing product images.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform background removal using a clipping path:

Step 1: Select an Image Editing Software: You’ll need image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Adobe Illustrator that supports vector editing.

Step 2: Open the Image: Launch your chosen software and open the image you want to edit.

Step 3: Select the Pen Tool: In Photoshop and Illustrator, you can use the Pen Tool to create precise paths. In GIMP, you can use the Paths Tool.

Step 4: Create the Clipping Path: Zoom in on the image for better precision and start creating a path by clicking points around the subject, closely following its outline. For curved sections, click and drag to create Bezier curves. Ensure the path encircles the subject completely.

Step 5: Close the Path: To close the path, connect the last point with the first one by clicking on the initial point.

Step 6: Adjust the Path: Refine the path as needed to ensure it accurately follows the subject’s contours. You can add or delete anchor points and adjust handles to fine-tune the path.

Step 7: Convert the Path to a Selection: Once you’re satisfied with the path, right-click on it and select “Make Selection.” Choose a feather radius if necessary (usually 0 pixels for sharp edges).

Step 8: Remove the Background: With the selection active, press the “Delete” key or use the “Layer Mask” option to remove the background. This will leave only the subject visible on a transparent background.

Step 9: Save the Image: Save the edited image in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG, TIFF, or PSD. This ensures the background remains transparent.

Step 10: Export the Final Image: If you need to use the image on the web or in a specific format, export it accordingly.

Remember that creating precise clipping paths can be time-consuming, especially for complex subjects with intricate details. However, the result is a clean, isolated subject that can be easily placed on various backgrounds or used in different design projects.

Additionally, some online image editing tools and services offer automated background removal with clipping path features, which can be a quicker option for simpler tasks.

Step 1: Select an Image Editing Software: 

When it comes to image editing software, you have several options to choose from, depending on your specific needs and skill level.

 Here are some popular image editing software options:

Adobe Photoshop: Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for image editing and manipulation. It offers a wide range of features for both basic and advanced editing, including layers, masks, filters, and more. Photoshop is ideal for professional photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists.

Adobe Lightroom: Adobe Lightroom is designed specifically for photo editing and organization. It’s great for enhancing and retouching photos, managing large photo collections, and applying presets for quick adjustments.

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): GIMP is a free and open-source image editing software that provides many of the same features as Photoshop. It’s a powerful option for those who don’t want to invest in commercial software.

CorelDRAW: CorelDRAW is a vector-based graphic design software that is excellent for creating illustrations, logos, and vector graphics. It also includes some image editing features.

Affinity Photo: Affinity Photo is an affordable alternative to Photoshop, offering professional-grade image editing tools and a one-time purchase model. It’s suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Pixlr: Pixlr is a free online image editing tool that offers a simplified version of Photoshop’s functionality. It’s accessible from any web browser, making it convenient for quick edits.

Canva: Canva is an online graphic design platform that is user-friendly and great for creating social media graphics, posters, and other visual content. It’s not as advanced as some other options but is excellent for beginners.

Paint.NET: Paint.NET is a free image editing software for Windows. It’s more advanced than basic paint programs but not as feature-rich as Photoshop or GIMP.

Photoscape: Photoscape is another free image editing tool that offers various features for photo enhancement, batch editing, and more. It’s user-friendly and suitable for beginners.

Snapseed: Snapseed is a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. It’s a powerful photo editing app with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of editing tools.

Your choice of image editing software should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and skill level. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom are the most widely used tools in professional settings, but there are plenty of alternatives that can meet your needs, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced graphic designer or photographer.

Step 2: Open the Image:

To open an image in image editing software, follow these general steps. I’ll use Adobe Photoshop as an example, but the process is similar in most image editing programs:

Launch the Software: Open the image editing software you’ve chosen. In this case, we’ll assume you’re using Adobe Photoshop.

Create a New Document (Optional): If you’re starting a new project, you may need to create a new document. To open an existing image, skip this step.

Open an Existing Image:

* Using the Menu: Go to the “File” menu at the top-left corner of the software window.Select “Open” or “Open File” from the dropdown menu.A file dialog box will appear. Navigate to the location where your image is stored.Select the image file you want to open.Click the “Open” button.Using Keyboard Shortcut (Adobe Photoshop): Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + O (Windows) or Command + O (Mac) to open a file.

* Choose Image Settings (Optional): Depending on the software, you might be prompted to choose settings such as image dimensions, resolution, color mode, and more when opening a new image. If you’re opening an existing image, these settings will already be applied based on the image’s properties.

* Image Opens: Once you’ve selected the image and any necessary settings, the image will open in the software’s workspace.

* Edit the Image: You can now make edits to the image as needed using the various tools and features available in the software.

* Save Your Work: After editing, remember to save your work to preserve the changes you’ve made. You can typically use the “File” menu to save your image in various formats, such as JPEG, PNG, PSD (Adobe Photoshop’s native format), or others, depending on your needs.

That’s it! You’ve successfully opened an image in your chosen image editing software and can proceed with your editing tasks.

Step 3: Select the Pen Tool:

Selecting the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop is a fundamental step for creating precise paths and selections.

 Here’s how to do it:

Open Adobe Photoshop: Launch Adobe Photoshop by clicking on its icon or through your preferred method.

Open Your Image: If you haven’t already opened your image, follow the steps mentioned earlier to open it.

Access the Pen Tool:

* Method 1: Locate the Pen Tool in the toolbar, which is typically on the left side of the Photoshop workspace. The Pen Tool icon looks like a fountain pen nib. If you don’t see it immediately, it may be grouped with other tools. Click and hold on the tool to access a submenu, and then select the Pen Tool.

* Method 2 (Keyboard Shortcut): A quicker way to select the Pen Tool is to use the keyboard shortcut. Press the “P” key on your keyboard, and this will select the Pen Tool.

Choose Pen Tool Options: After selecting the Pen Tool, you can adjust its settings from the top menu bar. You’ll see options for “Path,” “Shape,” and “Pixel” modes. When creating clipping paths for background removal, you’ll typically work with the “Path” mode, as it allows you to create precise vector paths.

Begin Creating the Clipping Path: Click on the image at the starting point of the subject you want to outline. Continue clicking to create anchor points around the subject, closely following its contours. To create curved lines, click and drag the mouse to adjust the handles of the anchor points.

Close the Path: To close the path and connect the last anchor point with the first one, click on the initial anchor point. This completes the path.

Refine the Path: After creating the initial path, you can refine it by adding or deleting anchor points and adjusting the handles as needed. This step is crucial for achieving precision in your clipping path.

With the Pen Tool selected and your path created, you’re ready to convert it into a selection or use it as a clipping path to remove the background from your image, as explained in the previous responses.

Remember that using the Pen Tool can take some practice to become proficient, especially for complex subjects. But with patience and practice, you’ll be able to create precise clipping paths for background removal and other image editing tasks.

Step 4: Create the Clipping Path: 

Creating a clipping path involves using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop to outline the subject you want to keep while removing the background.

 Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a clipping path:

Open Your Image: Open the image you want to edit in Adobe Photoshop. If you haven’t done so already, refer to the previous instructions for opening an image in Photoshop.

Select the Pen Tool: Activate the Pen Tool by clicking on its icon in the Photoshop toolbar on the left side of the screen. The Pen Tool icon looks like a fountain pen nib. You can also use the keyboard shortcut “P” to select the Pen Tool.

Set Pen Tool Options: In the top menu bar, you’ll see various options for the Pen Tool. Ensure that you have selected the “Path” mode. This mode allows you to create vector paths, which are necessary for creating clipping paths.

Start Creating the Path: Click on the image at a point where you want to start outlining your subject. This will create the first anchor point. Continue clicking around the subject, placing anchor points along its edges. For curved areas, click and drag to create Bezier curves. Place anchor points as closely as possible to the subject’s contours.

Complete the Path: To close the path and connect the last anchor point to the first one, click on the initial anchor point. This will create a closed path that surrounds your subject.

Refine the Path (Optional): After creating the initial path, you may need to refine it for precision. To do this, use the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow) to select and adjust individual anchor points or handles. You can add or delete anchor points as needed to improve the path’s accuracy.

Save the Path: To keep your path for future use or editing, go to the “Paths” panel (usually found next to the Layers panel) and click the “Save Path” button. Give your path a name and click “OK.”

Convert the Path to a Selection: With the path still selected, go back to the Layers panel and click on the image layer to activate it. Then, in the Paths panel, right-click on your path and choose “Make Selection.” Set the feather radius (usually 0 pixels for sharp edges) and click “OK.”

Remove the Background: With the selection active, you can now remove the background. Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard, and the background will be deleted, leaving only the subject on a transparent background. Alternatively, you can use the “Layer Mask” feature to non-destructively hide the background.

Save Your Edited Image: After removing the background, save your edited image in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG or TIFF.

That’s it! You’ve successfully created a clipping path to remove the background from your image using Adobe Photoshop’s Pen Tool.

Step 5: Close the Path:

Closing the path is an essential step when using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop to create a clipping path or any other type of path.

 Here’s how to close the path:

Create Anchor Points: Using the Pen Tool, start clicking around the subject you want to isolate. Place anchor points along the edges of the subject, and if needed, use the Pen Tool to create Bezier curves for curved sections.

Continue Adding Anchor Points: Keep adding anchor points by clicking along the subject’s outline until you’ve nearly reached the starting point of your path.

Close the Path: To close the path and connect the last anchor point to the first one, do the following:

* Hover the Pen Tool cursor over the starting anchor point.

* When the cursor changes to a small circle, it indicates that you’re about to close the path.

* Click on the initial anchor point.

By clicking on the initial anchor point, you complete the path, and it forms a closed shape around your subject. This closed path is crucial for creating selections or clipping paths, as it defines the boundary of the subject you want to keep.

Once you’ve closed the path, you can proceed to refine it further, convert it into a selection, and use it for background removal or other image editing tasks, as explained in previous responses.

Step 6: Adjust the Path: 

After creating a path using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop, you may need to adjust and refine it for precision. 

Here’s how to adjust the path:

Select the Path: To adjust the path, first, ensure that you have the Path selected. Open the “Paths” panel, which is typically located next to the “Layers” panel. Inside the Paths panel, you will see the path you created. Click on the path’s name to select it.

Use the Direct Selection Tool: In the Photoshop toolbar, select the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow). This tool allows you to select and manipulate individual anchor points and control handles.

Adjust Anchor Points: Click on an anchor point to select it. When selected, you’ll see anchor points as solid squares and control handles as hollow squares. 

You can do the following to adjust the path:

* Move an Anchor Point: Click and drag the selected anchor point to a new location to adjust the path’s position.

* Add Anchor Points: To add an anchor point along the path, position your cursor on the path where you want to add it and click. This can be useful for adding more detail to your path.

* Delete Anchor Points: To delete an anchor point, select it and press the “Delete” key on your keyboard. This can be useful for simplifying the path or removing unwanted points.

Adjust Control Handles (Curved Paths): If your path has curves (created using Bezier handles), you can adjust the control handles to change the curvature of the path. Click and drag the control handles to modify the shape of the path segment.

Refine the Path: Continue adjusting anchor points and control handles as needed to refine the path. The goal is to make the path closely follow the contours of your subject while maintaining smooth and accurate curves.

Preview Your Changes: As you make adjustments, it’s a good practice to periodically zoom out and preview the entire image to ensure that your path looks accurate.

Save Your Path: Once you’re satisfied with the adjustments, make sure to save your path by clicking the “Path” tab in the Paths panel and selecting “Save Path.” Give your path a name if you haven’t already, and click “OK” to save it.

After refining the path, you can proceed to convert it into a selection or use it as a clipping path to remove the background or perform other image editing tasks.

Remember that adjusting the path may take some practice, especially for complex subjects, but it’s essential for achieving precision in your image editing work.

Step 7: Convert the Path to a Selection: 

Converting a path to a selection in Adobe Photoshop allows you to use the path as a precise selection that you can further edit or use for various image editing tasks. 

Here’s how to convert a path to a selection:

Select the Path: First, ensure that you have the path you want to convert to a selection selected in the Paths panel. Open the Paths panel if it’s not already visible (usually located next to the Layers panel), and click on the path’s name to select it.

Convert to Selection: There are two ways to convert the path to a selection:

* Method 1: Right-click on the selected path name in the Paths panel. In the context menu that appears, choose “Make Selection.”

* Method 2: Alternatively, you can go to the top menu and click “Select” > “Load Selection.”

Set Selection Options: When you choose to make a selection, a dialog box will appear with several options:

* Channel: Leave this set to “Path” to use the currently selected path.

* Operation: Choose how you want the selection to interact with any existing selections you may have. If you’re creating a new selection from the path, select “New Selection.”

Feather (Optional): If you want to soften the selection’s edges, you can set a feather radius in pixels. For sharp, precise selections, you can leave this set to 0 pixels.

Click “OK”: Once you’ve configured the selection options, click the “OK” button.

Active Selection: After clicking “OK,” your path will be converted into an active selection. You’ll see the “marching ants” outline around the selected area based on the path you created.

Now that you have your path converted into a selection, you can use it for various image editing tasks, such as background removal, color correction, or applying filters.

 You can also save the selection to use it later if needed:

* To save the selection, go to “Select” > “Save Selection.” Give your selection a name and click “OK.” It will be available in the Channels panel for future use.

* To modify the selection, you can use selection tools like the Marquee, Lasso, or Magic Wand tools to add or subtract from the existing selection as needed.

Remember that the ability to work with selections is a powerful feature in Adobe Photoshop, allowing you to isolate and edit specific parts of your image with precision.

Step 8: Remove the Background:

Once you’ve converted your path into a selection in Adobe Photoshop, you can remove the background from your image. 

Here’s how to do it:

Make Sure the Selection Is Active: Ensure that your selection (marching ants) is active and surrounds the subject you want to keep. If the selection is not active, go to “Select” > “Reselect” to activate it.

Select the Background: There are a couple of methods you can use to select the background:

* Method 1: Invert the selection to select the background. Go to “Select” > “Inverse.” This will switch the selection from your subject to the background.

* Method 2: If your subject is on a separate layer, you can use a Layer Mask to hide the background. In this case, you don’t need to invert the selection. Just proceed to the next step.

Remove the Background:

* If you inverted the selection in Step 2, simply press the “Delete” key on your keyboard. This will delete the selected background, leaving your subject on a transparent background.

* If you’re using a Layer Mask, click the “Add Layer Mask” button in the Layers panel while the subject layer is selected. This will create a mask based on the selection, effectively hiding the background.

Refine the Edges (Optional): Depending on the quality of your initial path and the complexity of your subject, you may need to refine the edges to make them look more natural. To do this, select the layer mask (if applicable) and use the Brush tool with a soft brush to paint over any areas where the subject and background meet. This can help blend the edges seamlessly.

Review Your Image: Zoom in and review your image to ensure the background has been successfully removed and that there are no remnants of the original background.

Save Your Image: Finally, save your edited image in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG or TIFF, to preserve the transparent background. If you plan to place your subject on a different background, make sure to save it with transparency intact.

That’s it! You’ve successfully removed the background from your image using the clipping path and selection you created earlier. Your subject is now isolated on a transparent background, allowing you to place it on any background of your choice or use it in various design projects.

Step 9: Save the Image:

After you’ve removed the background and made any necessary adjustments to your image in Adobe Photoshop, you’ll want to save your edited image.

Here are the steps to save your image:

Ensure Your Image Is Ready: Before saving, double-check that your image looks the way you want it to, with the background removed and any other edits applied.

Go to the “File” Menu: Click on the “File” menu located at the top-left corner of the Photoshop window.

Select “Save As”: In the “File” menu, choose “Save As.” This will open a dialog box that allows you to specify where and how you want to save your image.

Choose a File Format: In the “Save As” dialog box, you can select the file format for your image.

 Here are some common formats to consider:

* PNG: Use PNG if you want to preserve transparency (i.e., you have removed the background, and your subject is on a transparent background). PNG is a lossless format and is ideal for images with sharp edges and transparency.

* JPEG: Use JPEG for images that do not require transparency and have a lot of colors and gradients. JPEG is a compressed format, so be mindful of the quality settings to avoid compression artifacts.

* TIFF: TIFF is a high-quality, lossless format often used for professional photography and printing. It supports layers and transparency, making it a versatile choice.

* PSD: If you want to retain all the editing layers and maintain the ability to further edit your image in Photoshop, save it as a PSD file.

Choose a Location: Navigate to the folder or directory where you want to save your image. You can also rename your file in the “File Name” field.

Adjust Format-Specific Settings: Depending on the format you selected, you may be presented with additional options. For example, when saving as JPEG, you can adjust the image quality. Ensure these settings align with your preferences and project requirements.

Click “Save”: Once you’ve chosen a format, location, and any relevant settings, click the “Save” button.

Confirmation and Metadata (Optional): Photoshop may prompt you to add metadata or additional information to your image. This is optional and depends on your specific needs.

Review Your Saved Image: After saving, navigate to the location where you saved your image and open it to ensure it looks as expected.

That’s it! Your image is now saved with the changes you made, and you can use it for various purposes, such as publishing online, printing, or further editing in the future. Be sure to keep a copy of the original image or project file (if applicable) in case you need to make additional changes later.

Step 10: Export the Final Image: 

Exporting the final image in Adobe Photoshop is necessary if you want to create a copy of your edited image in a specific format, size, or resolution while retaining the original file as it is. 

Here’s how to export your final image:

Ensure Your Image Is Ready: Double-check that your image is edited and saved as you want it before exporting.

Go to the “File” Menu: Click on the “File” menu located at the top-left corner of the Photoshop window.

Select “Export” or “Export As”: In the “File” menu, you’ll find options for exporting your image. The exact wording may vary depending on your Photoshop version. Common options include “Export” or “Export As.”

Choose the Export Format: In the export dialog box, you’ll have the opportunity to choose the export format.

 Select the format that best suits your needs, such as:

* JPEG: Use for images with lots of colors and gradients, suitable for web use or sharing on social media.

* PNG: Use for images that require transparency or have sharp edges. Ideal for web use, logos, and images with transparency.

* TIFF: Use for high-quality images, professional printing, or situations where you need to preserve layers and transparency.

* PSD: Use if you want to retain all the editing layers and further editing capabilities in Photoshop.

Choose Export Settings (if applicable): Depending on the format you choose, you may have additional options to adjust settings like image quality, compression, resolution, and color profile. Make any necessary adjustments based on your requirements.

Select the Destination: Choose the folder or directory where you want to save the exported image. You can also rename the file if needed.

Click “Export” or “Save”: Once you’ve chosen the format and destination, click the “Export” or “Save” button to create the final exported image.

Review Your Exported Image: Navigate to the folder where you saved the exported image and open it to ensure it looks as expected.

By exporting the final image, you create a separate file that reflects the edited version of your image, while keeping the original image or project file intact. This allows you to use the edited image for various purposes without altering the original.

Remember that the specific export options and dialog boxes may vary slightly depending on your version of Adobe Photoshop. However, the general process outlined above should be applicable in most versions of the software.

In conclusion, the process of removing a background from an image using a clipping path in Adobe Photoshop involves several key steps:

Select an Image Editing Software: Choose an image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Adobe Illustrator, depending on your needs and preferences.

Open the Image: Open the image you want to edit in the selected software.

Select the Pen Tool: Activate the Pen Tool, which is essential for creating precise paths around the subject.

Create the Clipping Path: Use the Pen Tool to outline the subject by creating a closed path that closely follows its contours.

Close the Path: To close the path and connect it to the starting point, click on the initial anchor point.

Adjust the Path (if needed): Refine the path by adding or deleting anchor points and adjusting control handles to ensure accuracy.

Convert the Path to a Selection: With the path selected, convert it into a selection using the “Make Selection” option.

Remove the Background: Delete or hide the background using the selection you’ve created, leaving the subject isolated.

Save the Image: Save your edited image in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG or TIFF.

Export the Final Image (if needed): If you want to create a separate copy of the edited image in a specific format, use the “Export” or “Save As” option.

By following these steps, you can successfully remove the background from an image using a clipping path and create a clean, isolated subject with a transparent background. This process is valuable in various industries, including e-commerce, photography, and graphic design, for creating visually appealing and versatile product images.

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Clipping Pix.com is a photo editing service provider that operates online! Clipping Path Service, Photo Masking Service, Drop Shadow Service, Photo Retouching Service, and all other Adobe Photoshop services are among our most popular. We basically outsource your image post-production to an experienced production team, and we have over 7 years of experience doing this with 75+ Adobe Photoshop professionals. Over 1200 customers have expressed satisfaction with our dedicated photo editing team.

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