How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop
Clipping Path
By using the pen tool in Photoshop we can create an outline/path around a subject or an object on the image that allows us to select everything on the path and remove the background. The clipping path is the best way to select a subject/object.To select each part of a subject perfectly then the pen tool is the best tool. So complete control is in your hands to select anything on a photo.
Nowadays internet marketing is very popular. E-commerce businesses in particular have been welcomed. To grow your business you need to present your products attractively. To do so first step is removing the background and then enhancing your product images.
- Ornament
- Furniture
- Clothing and Garments Products
- Beauty Products
- Vehicles
- Boxes
- Footwear, Eyewear, and Other Accessories.
Select the pen tool on the toolbar or press P on the keyboard. We can see six options.
1. Pen tool
2. Freeform pen tool
3. Curvature Pen Tool
4. Add Anchor Point Tool
5. Delete Anchor Point Tool
6. Convert point tool
To draw an outline/path around a subject select the first option Pen Tool.
Settings:
Keyboard caps lock option:
If we turn off the caps lock we can see the pen tool icon.
Pen tool path/shape options:
Enables the path option, not the shape option for creating an outline.
Path Operations:
Since the initial path to become a selection, enable "Combine Shapes".
Setting additional pen and path options:
Path option:
Color of the path: Choose the color of the path depending on the background.
Rubber Band: Enabling the Rubber Band allows you to show path extension while drawing. Give you a preview of the next anchor point. While we disable the Rubber Band we will not see the next curve segment/extension of the path.
Auto Add/Delete: Enable this allows you to add/delete anchor points over the path automatically.
Alternatively, we can add an anchor point by selecting "Add Anchor Point Tool". Similarly, delete an anchor point by selecting "Delete Anchor Point Tool".
Path creation
The edges of the subject around which the outline will be made may have some straight lines and some curves. To create an outline around the subject (chair), use the pen tool to give a starting point anywhere on the edge of the subject. Add another point to the edge of the subject to create the next segment, making sure the outline doesn't go outside the edge of the subject.If we see in the next segment that the edge of the subject is curved then click and drag the mouse.
Whenever we need to change the direction of the anchor point, we need to create another independent line. To create another independent line hold down the Alt button on the keyboard, click on the anchor point(The second handle will disappear from the anchor point.), and drag the mouse.
Create more anchor points. We can move the anchor points or handles for repositioning a line by holding down the Ctrl button on the keyboard with the mouse.
In this way, we will create anchor points on the edge of the subject and meet the starting point.
Saving the path
Saving the path is very important. You can modify the path later. To save the path click on the options menu(right side of the path panel, four-line menu) and click on save path.
Path name
After clicking on the save path you will get an option to name the path. We will name the path "path 1" and Click on OK.
Path selection and removing the background
Click on path 1 then select the layer. Right-click on the mouse then you will get options, click on "Make Selection". A pop-up window will appear. Keep 0.5 pixels feather and then click OK. The subject(chair) is selected.
Click on the select menu and choose inverse.
Now press the delete button on the keyboard. The background is removed except for the areas we marked as crosses.
We can remove the cross-marked areas by creating another two clipping paths. First, create a clipping path and make a selection then press the delete button on the keyboard.
