Clipping path and image masking are two common image editing techniques used for separating a subject from its original background. Adobe Photoshop is used to perform both of those photo editing methods. As they have a similar purpose, sometimes people get confused about their differences.

This article will help you to clarify the difference between clipping path and image masking. You will know the usage of clipping path and masking for different types of image post-production requirements. Besides, you will also know why professional designers use those two methods to isolate an object from images.

What Is Clipping Path?

Clipping Path is a photo post-production method applied by the Photoshop pen tool. The main purpose of clipping path is to separate a specific item from its original background to remove or replace the background. The specialty of this photo editing method is that you can remove background precisely for any type of product. Don’t you have enough time for that? You can send your images to the Professional Clipping Path Service Provider. It will save you time and money.

A clipping path is also required when designers want to select any specific portion of a subject. This service is mandatory for E-commerce product photography, jewelry photos, machinery photos, and fashion accessories images. If your images have sharp and smooth edges, the clipping path is the best option for removing the background.

What is Image Masking?

Image masking is another photo post-production method used by professional designers for Background Removal Services. When an object has soft edges like hair, wool, fur, or thick fabrics, image masking is applied to separate the object from its previous background. In image masking, designers use black and white marks to make unwanted potions invisible. Layer masks, color range, background eraser tools, and brush tools are used for masking an image.

Basically, designers separate the entire image in black and white form. Anything painted as black will be hidden in the image and the white portion will remain visible in normal mode. You can switch an image from mask view to normal view by holding the “ALT” key and clicking on the layer mask icon. This is a non-destructive method of image editing. That means you can recover any deleted portions at any stage while masking an image.

Clipping Path VS Masking: Main Differences

In clipping, the pen tool is used for creating clipping paths. The basic process is to create vector paths on the boundary line of an object. So, there is only a specific tool to do the clipping path in Photoshop. On the other hand, designers have to combine several tools for image masking.

In Image Masking, designers use the layer mask, brush tool, background eraser tool, and color range separation tool. Sometimes they also use the quick selection tool for making primary selections. Image masking is applied for portrait photography, clothing photography, and modeling photography. When the object has hair, soft edges, and lost edges, image masking is the go-to solution for removing the background.

How To Do Clipping Path?

You have to select the pen tool to create a clipping path in Photoshop. Open any of your images and click on the boundary line of the main object. It will create anchor points in that area. You have to create such lines around the object to select it. Next to that, you can save your created paths from the “path” section on the layer panel.

Types Of Clipping Path:

● Simple Clipping Path
● Medium Clipping Path
● Complex Clipping Path
● Super Complex Clipping Path

How To Do Image Masking?

For masking an image, you need to add a mask to the layer. To do that, you have to click on the layer and select “Add a mask” from below. Then, a mask will be added to the selected layer. After that, hold the ALT key and click on the mask added to the layer. Pick up the brush tool from the left side and the image will be ready for masking. If you paint with black, that will be invisible. White areas will be visible.

Types Of Masking:

● Layer Masking
● Alpha Channel Masking
● Clipping Mask

When To Use Clipping Path?

Clipping path is the best option to remove a background, replace a background, or get a transparent background, and pure white background. This is suitable for hard edges. Objects that have hard edges can be selected with pen tools with the highest accuracy. Particularly, if you’re involved with E-commerce or online product selling businesses, you need to apply the clipping path for your product photography.

When To Apply Photoshop Masking?

Photoshop Image Masking is required for complex background removal. For example, you have a doll made with wool. If you want to remove the background of that doll photo, masking is the best suitable option. Using the pen tool we can’t select thick wool accurately. Also, Photoshop masking is required to hide and reveal specific areas of a picture. When you want to modify a transparent object or make photo collages, image masking is the preferred method to apply.

Final Words

At this stage, you’re aware of the difference between clipping path and masking. Now, you can decide which image editing method is required for your imagery. Hopefully, it will bring more engagement to your photography. Do you want to order professional image editing services? You should contact Clipping Way now.