How To Create PhotoShop Clipping Path

A clipping path (CP) is a popular Photoshop tool which is generously used in the printing industry. The main attribute of CP is that when it is applied to an image, the area outside the path becomes transparent. It is used for applications like images that need a text-wrap, or a front-page ad whereby the image overlaps a title.

Here I'm going to tell you, how to create a Photoshop clipping path by following few easy steps -

1. At first open an image in PhotoShop

2. Now click on the Paths button

3. You may also go to the menu and select Window > Paths

4. Click the create new path button on the bottom

5. A new path will show up with the default name Path 1

To manipulate the clipping path just click on the right corner of the pen tool, different tool selections will appear which will help you to operate the anchor points.

Now do the following -

1) Click on the 'Add Anchor Point Tool' and add anchor points.

2) Remove the unnecessary anchor points using the 'Delete Anchor Point Tool'

3) Use the 'Convert Point Tool' to convert the straight lines into curves.

4) Now again click on the bottom right corner of the Path Tool.

5) Pick the Path Selection Tool to select the path and use the 'Direct Selection Tool' to move the anchor points

6) Continue to manipulate until you get the desired clipping.

7) After completion, convert the path as the active clipping path.

8) Now click on the arrow that points to the right and selects Clipping Path.

9) In the clipping path window

10) Type the flatness value as 1, and click OK

11) Finally, save the image as an EPS file.

Please note, here flatness refers to how accurately the path is followed by your printer. For normal desktop output, it's safe to enter between 1-3, for printing press output enter around 6-8. Remember The higher the number the more precisely the path is followed.

This is the basic process for doing clipping paths. It takes a lot more skills and expertise to do it professionally. It is always a better idea to sign up with a professional design agency. Currently, many outsourcing agencies are doing very well in this business. They provide online service at a minimum service cost. Don't forget to verify their service quality before making bulk orders.