How to Create a Clipping Mask in Photoshop
Creating a clipping mask in photoshop is a great way to save time and create neat effects, but it can get a bit tricky. I’ve found myself clicking all over the place in an attempt to get masks to work. To streamline the process I’ve created this photoshop tutorial as an introduction to masking.
What is a clipping mask?
Clip masking is when objects on one layer are set to hide (or reveal) objects on another layer. You can think of a mask like a sheet of paper that you used an X-Acto blade on to cut out a shape. You then can use that X-acto’d sheet of paper (the mask) to reveal portions of anything you’re looking at.
While the above analogy might help illustrate the concept of a clipping mask, they’re actually more dynamic than that. In fact, clipping masks in photoshop can be set to have transparency so that a percentage of the mask can be revealed.
How to make a clipping mask
- The first thing you’ll need to do to create the shape you wish to mask with. We created some vector text using the horizontal type tool.
- Next you’ll need to import the image you want to clip. You can do this by opening your image in photoshop, hitting ctrl+a to select all, ctrl+c to copy, and then going to your working file tab and hitting ctrl+v to paste.
- After pasting you’ll have a new layer. Make sure that your image is ordered above the text (or shape) layer.
- With the image layer selected, go to Layer > Create Clipping Mask. Alternatively, you can use ctrl+alt+g as a shortcut. If you plan on having a bunch of images to shape, the shortcut will save you a ton of time. Make sure to use it!
- Now your image has been clipped to your shape and you can manipulate the image layer or shape layer independently! Trust me, being able to edit these after the first draft of your design will be a huge lifesaver in the long run. One thing I’ve learned is that things are rarely right on the first time. Pay yourself forward.
How you can use clipping masks when designing?
- As shown in this photoshop tutorial, layer masks are great for creating images shaped into text
- When you want images formed into any shape, this is a great method to use. It will allow you to keep everything fluid and editable.
- If you want to create a nice sharp edge to merge two photos together, this is one way to do that.
What other ways can you think of using clipping masks? Leave a comment below!
Great tips. I’m bookmarking this page. Its a great resource to keep. Thanks for sharing.
Ok sure, I will follow your steps before going to do exams. I hope your article will help me more.
Thanks for sharing this. I’ll definitely share this with my classmates at de la salle zobel.
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Very effective and informative article.Thanks for sharing such an important tutorial.
Really helpful website
I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it.
Thank you for this website. The practice questions are helpful.
Taking this test on Saturday. Last 4.0 exam to complete for the trio, then on to 5.0. This site is my go-to place when organizing what materials I’ll be studying
Hi , very good article.
thanks for sharing, keep up the good work
Good advice. Best of luck to all!
This is my favorite site for practicing for my tests! Great advise and super helpful.
Nice post to read. A complete guide that can help all of us.
Nice one… very helpful! Thanks!!!
Nice post
Great post!
In the NCARB ARE 5.0 handbook they reference Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods in both of their example questions for cost estimating. Unfortunately there isn’t a specific chapter on cost estimating, it’s woven throughout the content.
What is the best reference for cost estimating for PDD.
Thanks! Great advice
Deciduous trees should only be used for shade (especially in temperate climates). Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall and will have little protection against wind in the winter when it is most needed. Likewise, the leafless trees allow solar heat gain in the winter when it is desired, and shade in the summer.
Coniferous trees are only to be used to block wind and views. Since they don’t lose their needles, they work great for these two items year-round.
Hello. My name is Shahid. This comment is for anyone who would like to reply. On the Siteplanning test. To block the wind, can you use a Deciduous tree or must you use a Coniferous tree?
Hi Tony,
I need to take 5.0 PPD & PDD. Do you plan on posting notes such as “Caroline’s Notes” that you had posted for the various 4.0 exams for either of those sections? I found those notes to be some of the best resources in studying for the 4.0 sections. If so any idea when? Thanks
Hi Tony,
Any updates on the SS exam ? If there’s an expected release date ? Thanks
Paige,
We are releasing practice exams for the SS exam later this fall.
Best,
Tony
Will you have SS questions on here at some point?
Great post, very helpful with the lists of suggested materials, I just passed CDs in July and am taking PPP in November so I definitely needed the list.