Tag: Mask

Understanding Clipping Mask in Photoshop

In this article I will be discussing the use of clipping mask in Photoshop. During the course of this reading you will learn the basics of clipping mask and have a solid understanding on how clipping mask works.

During the writing of this article, I am using the 2022 version of Abobe Photoshop but the clipping mask works the same way as for all other versions.

What is Clipping Mask?

According to the description provided by Adobe in their user guide, “A clipping mask is a group of layers to which a mask is applied. The bottommost layer, or base layer, defines the visible boundaries of the entire group. For example, suppose you have a shape in the base layer, a photograph in the layer above it, and text in the topmost layer. If the photograph and text appear only through the shape outline in the base layer, they also take on the opacity of the base layer. “

Breaking this down, a clipping mask is composed of a base layer where it should be at the bottom of the group of layer that you are working with. The base layer will define the boundaries or the outline of the group of layers. While the layer/s above the base layer is/are the asset/s that will be showed according to the boundaries set.

How to Create a clipping mask?

To create a clipping mask, you must first select the layer that is going to be clipped. The layer must be the topmost layer between the group of layers.

Now right click the layer to open the menu bar and select Create Clipping Mask.

And that’s it. You have created the clipping mask, in the layer panel now shows the top layer is slightly indented with an arrow pointing down to the layer below which is the base layer.

The Result

Conclusion:
Congratulations! You have now acquired the understanding of clipping mask. You can use the clipping mask to creates seamless transitions between layers. This technique will be perfect if your project asks for something to fit inside a shape. I hope this article help you learn what is clipping mask and how to use it. Incorporate this to your next project and remember to keep learning and stay creative.

Creating a Clipping Mask in Adobe Illustrator

In this demo, I will be showing how easy to create a clipping mask in Adobe Illustrator. I will be utilizing the ellipse tool and a photo from Pexels by Magda Ehlers.

Some things to consider according to the guidelines from adobe support:

  • The objects that you mask are moved into the clipping mask’s group in the Layers panel if they don’t already reside there.
  • Only vector objects can be clipping masks; however, any artwork can be masked.
  • If you use a layer or group to create a clipping mask, the first object in the layer or group masks everything that is a subset of the layer or group.
  • Regardless of its previous attributes, a clipping mask changes to an object with no fill or stroke.

Read full article here.

Clipping an image to an ellipse Tool

First import create an ellipse using the ellipse tool and import your photo.

Overlap the ellipse and the image with the ellipse above the image. To do this right click the ellipse and then select Arrange>Bring to Front or use the shortcut Shift+Ctrl+].

Now select both then go to Object>Clipping Mask>Make or use the shortcut Ctrl+7. You will end up with the result like the photo below.

Adjust the photo to fit the whole ellipse by going to your layers tab expand the Clip Group and select the photo by clicking the circle to target the photo. You can move the photo around and also resize it.

The Result:

Conclusion

And there you have it you successfully created a clipping mask. You can also use this method if you want a text to have a photo as its texture/ appearance. I hope this demo help you and now you can incorporate this to your future project.