How to Create a Clipping Mask in Photoshop CS4
Layer masks are a useful tool in graphic design. Adobe Photoshop CS4 provides shortcuts that make it easy to create a mask. Unlike some other graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, in Photoshop the masking layer is placed beneath the layer that is being masked. Once you get used to this concept you will be ready to create layer masks like a pro.
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Instructions
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To create a new document, select "New" from the File menu, or use the "Ctrl"-"N" ("Command"-"N" on Macs) keyboard shortcut. For this example, start with a document that is 300 pixels by 300 pixels, at a resolution of 72 pixels per inch, in the RGB color mode with a transparent background. Choose "OK."
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Clipping masks are made from objects on different layers, so you will need to be able to move between layers with ease. Open the Layers palette to reveal the layers and their contents. In CS4, when the palette is minimized to the panel, the "Layers" icon looks like a semi-transparent diamond shape with a drop shadow. If you're having trouble locating it, select "Layers" from the Window menu, or just press "F7."
In the Layers palette, create a new layer. The "New Layer" icon looks like a small square with the corner folded up to reveal another square beneath it; the icon is located in the bottom right-hand corner of the palette, next to the "Delete Layer" icon.
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Select the top layer by clicking it in the Layers palette; the palette will highlight your selection in blue. This layer is the one that will be masked.
Choose a fill color; perhaps a cheery yellow. Double-click the foreground color selector in the toolbar, and type in the hexadecimal color value #F4F70A in the pop-up "Color Picker" dialog. Now select the Paint Bucket tool from the toolbar (click the "Paint Bucket" icon or simply press "G" on your keyboard). Click the stage to fill Layer 2 with the color you selected.
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Select the bottom layer by clicking it in the Layers palette. Now draw a random shape of your choosing. For example, click and hold down the shape tool in the toolbar, then select the Custom Shape tool from the fly-out menu. Click the "Shape" drop-down menu from the options toolbar at the top of your screen. If you do not see the options toolbar, select "Options" from the Window menu. In the "Shape" menu, choose a shape such as the amorphous blob. Click the stage, drag your mouse, and release to draw your shape on the stage.
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Now it is time to create your mask. There are two ways to do this. The slightly more formal method is to select the top layer in the Layers palette, then select "Create Layer Mask" from the "Layer" menu at the top of your screen.
The abbreviated shortcut method is to hold down the "Alt" ( or "Option") key and position your cursor over the line that separates your layers from each other. The arrow pointer will turn into a symbol showing two overlapping circles. Click on the dividing line between the two layers.
Either way, Photoshop will use the bottom layer to create a clipping mask over the top layer. The shape in the bottom layer will remain, and all other contents of the masked top layer will become transparent. However, the shape will now have the color attributes of the top layer, even if the bottom layer was filled with a different color.
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Tips & Warnings
Using layer masks in this manner is particularly useful when you wish to create a cutout from an image. You can mask the image to show a shape or perhaps some words, and position this masked image over a different background for a very creative and colorful effect.
