How to Create a Photoshop Clipping Mask

Photoshop offers a number of techniques for masking images and selections, but one of the easiest is the clipping mask. Clipping masks allow you to define a mask in one or more layers with the shape of another layer. Create clipping masks to shape an image to text or to mask multiple layers with the same shape.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Open any image in Photoshop. If the image consists of a single locked background layer, double click on the layer name. Change the layer name. The lock will disappear and you can now do anything you want with the layer.

2. Save the image as a Photoshop file (PSD). Other formats, such as JPEG, will flatten the image and cause you to lose any layers you create. Once you save as a PSD file, any changes you make will be preserved each time you save.

3. Create a shape for your mask. You can use the any of the vector shape tools or add type (you can even fill a selection area you created on a new layer). This will be your masking layer. Move the masking layer underneath the image layer.

4. Select the image layer in the layers palette. Choose "Create Clipping Mask" from the layers palette options menu. The layer will appear in the layers palette, marked with an arrow. Every pixel outside the lower masking layer will be hidden on the upper image layer.

Tips & Warnings

• You can mask more than one layer with the same clipping mask. Simply drag any other layer between the clipping mask and the masked layer. Once the clipping mask is applied you can rearrange the order of any layer in the clipping mask group.
• Don't confuse clipping masks (or clipping layers) with clipping paths. Clipping paths are vector shapes that define image boundaries in page layout programs.

[santoshm]

on 10/6/2009 I cannot use the clipping mask on the layer which has effect enabled. IE, if I enable stroke or gradient on the layer, clipping mask simply doesn't work. Any fix?