Clipping Path Using Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop: A Comprehensive Guide.

Clipping paths are an important aspect of digital image editing, particularly in the realm of graphic design and e-commerce. A clipping path is a closed vector path that is used to remove the background from an image and isolate a specific object. This process is essential for creating product images with transparent or solid color backgrounds, as well as for creating designs with layered graphics. In Adobe Photoshop, the Pen Tool is the most commonly used tool for creating clipping paths, and it requires a certain level of skill and precision to achieve accurate and professional-looking results. In this guide, we will explore the steps involved in creating a clipping path using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop, from selecting the tool to saving the final image. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced image editor, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to create a clipping path that will make your images stand out.

What is Clipping Path?

Clipping path is a technique used in image editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, to isolate a subject or object in an image from its background. It involves creating a closed path or vector shape around the subject, which can then be used to remove the background or apply various editing effects. The clipped object can be saved as a separate file with a transparent background or placed on a different background. Clipping path is commonly used in product photography, e-commerce, and graphic design to create high-quality images with a professional and polished look.

What is Pen Tool?

The Pen Tool is a tool in graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, that is used to create vector paths and shapes. It is a precise and versatile tool that allows users to create smooth and accurate lines and curves, which can be edited and manipulated as needed. The Pen Tool works by placing anchor points at specific locations along a path, and then manipulating the handles attached to those points to create curves and angles. This allows users to create complex shapes and paths, such as logos, icons, and illustrations, with precision and control. The Pen Tool is an essential tool in graphic design and is often used in combination with other tools and techniques to create high-quality designs.

Clipping Path Using Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop: A Comprehensive Guide_

Clipping path using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop is a powerful technique used to isolate an object from its background. This technique is commonly used in product photography and e-commerce to create clean, professional-looking images. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to create a clipping path using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop:

Step 1: Open the Image in Photoshop

Open the image that you want to create a clipping path for in Adobe Photoshop.

Step 2: Select the Pen Tool

Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen. The Pen Tool icon looks like a fountain pen.

Step 3: Create a Path

Click on the edge of the object you want to clip. This will create an anchor point. Continue clicking around the edge of the object until you have created a path around the entire object. When you get back to the starting point, click on the first anchor point to close the path.

Step 4: Adjust the Path

Once you have created the path, you can adjust it by clicking and dragging on the anchor points and handles. Use the handles to create curves and angles.

Step 5: Save the Path

When you are satisfied with the path, save it by going to the Paths panel and clicking on the “Save Path” button. Give the path a name and click OK.

Step 6: Create a Clipping Path

Go to the Layers panel and select the layer that contains the image. Click on the “Add Layer Mask” button at the bottom of the panel. In the Layer Mask Options dialog box, select “Path” from the “Mask” dropdown menu. Choose the path you created from the “Path” dropdown menu and click OK.

Step 7: Check the Result

You should now see that the object is isolated from its background. If there are any areas that need further adjustment, you can go back to the Paths panel and make the necessary changes to the path.

Step 8: Save the Image

Once you are satisfied with the result, save the image as a JPEG or PNG file with a transparent background.

In conclusion, creating a clipping path using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop is a powerful technique that can help you isolate objects from their backgrounds and create professional-looking images. With practice, you can become proficient in this technique and achieve great results.

Step 1: Open the Image in Photoshop

Step 1: Open the Image in Photoshop

To begin the process of creating a clipping path using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop, you need to open the image that you want to work on in the software. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Launch Adobe Photoshop on your computer.

2. Click on the “File” menu at the top of the screen.

3. Choose “Open” from the drop-down menu. This will open the “Open” dialog box.

4. Use the “Look in” field to navigate to the folder where your image is stored.

5. Select the image file by clicking on it.

6. Click on the “Open” button to open the image in Photoshop.

Once the image is open, you can proceed with creating the clipping path using the Pen Tool. It’s important to choose an image with a clear and defined edge for the best results. Images with fuzzy or blurred edges can make the clipping path more difficult to create accurately.

Step 2: Select the Pen Tool

Step 2: Select the Pen Tool

After opening the image in Photoshop, the next step is to select the Pen Tool. The Pen Tool is located in the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen, and it is represented by an icon that looks like a fountain pen.

To select the Pen Tool, follow these steps:

1. Locate the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen.

2. Click on the Pen Tool icon. It should be the second icon from the top.

3. Alternatively, you can press the “P” key on your keyboard to select the Pen Tool.

Once you have selected the Pen Tool, you are ready to start creating the path around the object that you want to clip. It’s important to note that the Pen Tool can be a bit challenging to use at first, but with practice, you will become more comfortable with it.

Step 3: Create a Path

Step 3: Create a Path

Once you have selected the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop, the next step is to create a path around the object that you want to clip. Here’s how to do it:

1. Position the Pen Tool at the starting point of the object’s edge. Click once to create the first anchor point.

2. Move the Pen Tool along the object’s edge, clicking as needed to create additional anchor points. Be sure to follow the object’s contours as closely as possible.

4. To create a straight-line segment, simply click on the next point. To create a curved segment, click and drag the mouse to create a handle that adjusts the curve of the line. Be sure to position the handles in such a way that the curve flows smoothly from one anchor point to the next.

5. Continue creating anchor points and adjusting the handles until you have completed the path around the object. When you reach the starting point, click on it to close the path.

It’s important to take your time and be patient when creating the path, especially if the object has complex shapes or angles. You can always go back and edit the path later if needed. Once you have created the path, you can move on to the next step of the process.

Step 4: Adjust the Path

Step 4: Adjust the Path

After creating the path around the object using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop, the next step is to adjust the path as needed to ensure accuracy and precision. Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. Select the Direct Selection Tool (the white arrow) from the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen.

2. Click on any anchor point on the path to select it. The selected anchor point will turn solid.

3. You can then move the anchor point by clicking and dragging it to a new location. This will adjust the curve of the path. Alternatively, you can adjust the curve of the path by dragging the handles of the selected anchor point.

4. You can also add new anchor points to the path by clicking on the path where you want to add the anchor point.

5. To delete an anchor point, select it with the Direct Selection Tool and press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.

It’s important to make sure that the path is as accurate as possible to avoid leaving any unwanted areas outside of the clipping path or including unwanted areas within the clipping path. Taking the time to adjust the path as needed will ensure a clean and precise final result.

Step 5: Save the Path

Step 5: Save the Path

Once you have created and adjusted the path around the object using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop, the next step is to save the path. Saving the path allows you to use it later for creating a clipping path or a mask. Here’s how to save the path:

1. Go to the “Paths” panel, which is usually located on the right-hand side of the screen. If you can’t see it, you can find it under the “Window” menu at the top of the screen.

2. In the Paths panel, you should see a thumbnail of the path that you just created. If you don’t see it, make sure that the path is still selected.

3. Click on the “Paths” panel menu icon (represented by three lines in the top-right corner of the panel) to open the menu.

4. Choose “Save Path” from the menu.

5. In the “Save Path” dialog box, give the path a name and choose where you want to save it. The default file format is PSD.

6. Click on the “Save” button to save the path.

Once the path is saved, you can access it at any time by going to the “Paths” panel and selecting it. You can also use it to create a clipping path or a mask, which can be used to isolate the object from its background or apply various effects.

Step 6: Create a Clipping Path

Step 6: Create a Clipping Path

After saving the path, the next step is to create a clipping path. A clipping path is a vector-based path that is used to cut out an object from its background or to isolate it for further editing. Here’s how to create a clipping path:

1. Open the image that you want to create a clipping path for in Adobe Photoshop.

2. Duplicate the background layer by right-clicking on the layer and selecting “Duplicate Layer”. This will create a new layer that you can work on without affecting the original image.

3. Hide the original background layer by clicking on the eye icon next to the layer in the Layers panel.

4. Make sure that the layer with the object is selected in the Layers panel.

5. Go to the “Paths” panel, which is usually located on the right-hand side of the screen. If you can’t see it, you can find it under the “Window” menu at the top of the screen.

6. In the Paths panel, select the path that you created earlier.

7. Click on the “Load path as selection” button at the bottom of the panel. This will load the path as a selection around the object.

8. With the selection still active, go to the “Layer” menu at the top of the screen and choose “New Layer via Copy” or press “Ctrl+J” on your keyboard. This will create a new layer with the object copied onto it.

9. Hide the layer with the original object by clicking on the eye icon next to the layer in the Layers panel.

10. You should now see the object with a transparent background. To create the clipping path, go to the “Layer” menu and choose “Create Clipping Mask”. The object should now be clipped to the shape of the path.

Creating a clipping path can be a bit complex, especially if you’re new to Photoshop. However, with a bit of practice, you can become proficient at it and use it to create professional-looking images.

Step 7: Check the Result

Step 7: Check the Result

After creating the clipping path, the final step is to check the result to ensure that the object is properly clipped and there are no unwanted areas left outside the path. Here are a few things to check:

1. Zoom in to the image and inspect the edges of the object to see if there are any rough or jagged edges. If there are, you may need to refine the path to make it smoother. You can use the Pen Tool or the Direct Selection Tool to adjust the path as needed.

2. Check the object against its background to see if there are any areas where the background is showing through the object. If there are, you may need to refine the path to exclude those areas.

3. Check the object against other elements in the image to see if it blends in well. Make sure that there are no obvious halos or color differences between the object and its surroundings.

4. If you’re creating a clipping path for a product photo, make sure that the product looks as natural as possible. Check for any areas where the lighting looks off or where the product looks distorted.

It’s important to take the time to check the result carefully, especially if you’re using the image for professional purposes. If you’re not satisfied with the result, you can always go back and refine the path until you get the desired result.

Step 8: Save the Image

Step 8: Save the Image

Once you’re satisfied with the result of your clipping path, it’s time to save the image. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Go to the “File” menu at the top of the screen and choose “Save As”.

2. Choose a file format for your image. If you want to preserve the transparency of the background, choose a format that supports transparency such as PNG or TIFF. If you don’t need transparency, you can choose JPEG, which is a smaller file format that’s good for web use.

3. Choose a file name and location for your image and click “Save”.

4. In the next dialog box, choose the appropriate settings for your file format. For example, if you’re saving a PNG file, you can choose whether to interlace the image or not. Interlacing makes the image load faster but increases the file size.

5. Click “OK” to save the image.

It’s a good idea to keep a copy of the original image with the background intact in case you need to make changes later. You can also save the Photoshop file with the clipping path as a separate file in case you need to make further adjustments to the path or the image in the future.

Saving the image is the final step in the process of creating a clipping path using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop. With a bit of practice, you can create accurate and professional-looking clipping paths that will make your images stand out.

In conclusion, clipping paths are an essential tool for removing backgrounds from images and isolating objects. Using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop allows you to create accurate and detailed paths that can be used for a variety of purposes, from e-commerce product photos to graphic design projects. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create high-quality clipping paths that will give your images a professional and polished look. Remember to take your time and check your work carefully to ensure that your final result is accurate and visually appealing. With a bit of practice and patience, you can master the art of clipping paths and take your image editing skills to the next level.

The Best Adobe Photoshop Text Effects Experts Offers_ 

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.

We do e-commerce photo editing, studio photo editing, sports photo editing, and a variety of other services. The majority of our clients are photographers and online sellers. Our high-quality production and on-time delivery make our clients eager to continue working with us. We can deliver your edited image within 24-48 hours, even if you have thousands of images!

Our Recent Blog Posts

Our Social Media Activities