If you're new to the world of graphic design, you may have heard the term "clipping path". Simply put, a clipping path is an essential technique used in image editing and graphic designing to cut out a desired section of an image using a closed vector path.
Although it may sound daunting at first, clipping paths are relatively easy to understand and master with a little bit of practice. In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the basic steps of creating a clipping path using Adobe Photoshop, one of the most popular image editing software among designers.
Step 1: Open the image in Photoshop
The first step in creating a clipping path is to open the image you want to edit in Adobe Photoshop. Once you've selected your desired image, double-click on the file to open it in Photoshop.
Step 2: Create a new layer
Next, create a new layer on top of the background layer by selecting Layer > New > Layer from the top menu bar. Rename this layer as "Clipping Path" or any other name that you prefer.
Step 3: Select the Pen tool
Now, select the Pen tool from the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen. The Pen tool is used to create a closed path which will be used as the clipping path for your image. You can also use the keyboard shortcut "P" to activate the Pen tool.
Step 4: Draw the path
Carefully draw the path using the Pen tool along the edge of the part of the image you want to isolate. Keep in mind that the path must be a closed loop. In other words, the starting and ending points of the path should overlap. To close the path, click on the starting point of the path. This will create a selection area inside the path.
Step 5: Save the path
Once you have drawn the path, it's time to save it. To save the path, select the Paths tab from the Layers panel on the right-hand side of the screen. You'll see a thumbnail of your newly created path. Right-click on the thumbnail and select "Save Path". Name the path and click OK.
Step 6: Apply the clipping path
To apply the clipping path to your image, go back to the Layers panel and make sure that the "Clipping Path" layer is selected. Then select the "Path" option from the Paths panel which will show you the path you just saved. Right-click on the path in the Paths panel and select "Make Selection". Set the Feather Radius to 0 and click OK.
Step 7: Refine the edges
To refine the edges of your selection, click on the "Select and Mask" button in the top menu bar. This will open up the Select and Mask dialog box. Use the Refine Edge Brush tool to refine the edges of your selection. Use the "View Mode" options to see the changes in your selection as you refine the edges. Once you are happy with the edges, click "OK" to apply the changes.
Step 8: Save the final image
Finally, you can save your final image by selecting File > Save As. Choose your desired file format and location and click "Save".
Tips and Tricks:
- When using the Pen tool, take your time to ensure that your path follows the edges of your image accurately. Use zoom in and zoom out options to get a better view of the area you are working on.
- To draw curved lines, click and drag the Pen tool while drawing the path. This will create curved lines instead of straight ones.
- If you make a mistake while drawing the path, use the "Option" key while clicking on the last anchor point to remove it. You can also use the "Command" key while clicking on any anchor point to convert it into a smooth curve.
- When refining the edges of your selection, use the "Decontaminate Colors" option to remove any color fringes around your selection.
- You can use the "Layer Mask" option to adjust your selection after it has been applied. To do this, select the "Clipping Path" layer and click on the "Add Layer Mask" button. Then use the Brush tool to paint black or white on the layer mask to add or subtract from your selection.
With these steps and tips in mind, you can create a professional clipping path for your images and take your graphic design skills to the next level. Bear in mind that skill comes with practice, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new things!