How to Do Clipping Mask in Photoshop | Complete Guide

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Photo Editing Feb 22, 2025

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How to Do Clipping Mask in Photoshop | Complete Guide

Clipping Mask in Photoshop is a powerful tool you can use to create creative designs for your brand. For example, you can combine text and images to tell your brand story uniquely. Since you clicked on this blog, I assume you want to learn how to make Photoshop Clipping Mask. You are at the right place. Continue reading and I will show you the easiest method for image clipping with editing tips.

What is a Clipping Mask in Photoshop?

Did you ever see the scenarios popping up from the texts and shapes?

These are the magical works of Clipping Masks. Image Clipping Mask is a technique where one layer is revealed by another layer (a shape, text, and other things) making the image interesting and unique.

You can make Clipping Mask photos in Photoshop for text effects, image framing, blending textures, and other things. Portray your message creatively to your audience and engage with them on a deeper level.

Difference Between Clipping Mask Vs. Layer Mask

Many people and new designers get confused between layer masks and Clipping Masks in Photoshop and think of them as the same. However, both tools are different and bring different visual effects. Let's see the difference between layer masks and Clipping Masks to apply them better in designs.

Key Features

Clipping Masks

Layer Masks

Photoshop Layers

Work over multiple layers to create the artwork.

Work over a single layer to hide or reveal the parts.   

Visibility

You can mask multiple layers to create a design and reveal the areas you want to show.

A single mask hides or reveals part of the design in the black and white grayscale.

Flexible Editing


Even after completing the professional image masking in Photoshop, you can edit the images till you are satisfied. 


Hard to edit after image editing completion. You need to paint or erase to re-edit the image which is time-consuming.  

How to Do Clipping Mask in Photoshop in 5 Steps

Did you understand the difference between Photoshop layers masks and Clipping Masks? If, yes, let’s get into the main part of the article. Follow this step-by-step tutorial for Clipping Mask photos in Photoshop. I will create a text effect with the easiest masking technique.

Take the Image to Photoshop and Unlock It

Take your desired image to Photoshop. Go to the layers panel and unlock the image layer by clicking on the “Lock Icon” beside it.

Take the Image to Photoshop and Unlock It

Add Text

Go to the Toolbar and choose the "Text Tool" or press "T" to select the text tool. The text box will appear on the image. Add your desired text and adjust the text size. Place the text in your desired place.

Add Text

It’s Time for The Clipping Mask in Photoshop

It is time for the magic. Take the image layer above the text layer. Keep the cursor between the Photoshop layers and Press and Hold "Alt-key". The cursor shape will change into a "box and arrow". Now, left-click and see the image transformation. The layers combined and created a nice text effect, correct?

Clipping Mask in Photoshop

Make The Object Come Out of The Text

Do you want to bring the object out of the text? Follow this clipping masking technique.

Duplicate the layer by pressing "Ctrl + J" on your keyboard. Now, you need to select the area you want to bring out of the text. Go to the toolbar - choose "Quick Selection Tool" - select the area.

After your selection is completed, go to the layers panel and select "Layer Mask" Photoshop to reveal the area you just selected and hide other areas of the layer. The final image will pop up the object out of the text.

Make The Object Come Out of The Text

The Text is Editable Anytime

The best thing about Clipping Mask in Photoshop is you can edit them anytime. For example, your previous text was cartoon but now you want to change it into anime. Mark the text and rewrite your desired text and the design will remain the same.

With the image clipping masking technique, you can experiment till you are happy with the design. Then save the image and use it accordingly.

The Text is Editable Anytime

Wrapping Up

Clipping Mask tool Photoshop is a super useful masking technique you can use to create out-of-the-box designs and attract your target audience easily. Thus, experiment with image clipping and showcase your creativity in projects.

Lastly, if you need professional help with Photoshop Clipping Masks, take Color Clipping’s expert photo retouching services. Send us your materials and requirements and see the transformation. We are strict with perfection and deadlines, ensuring you get the results they paid for and double the ROI. Take our free trial and judge the image quality today. That's it for today. Adieus!

FAQ

Clipping mask is a creative way to design your image. You can combine multiple layers and create a design to convey your message. The editing process is easy and the results are effective. Also, the best thing about Clipping Masks is you can edit till you are satisfied without damaging the quality. Thus, try Clipping Mask in Photoshop today to create stunning and eye-catching images for your brand.
Yes. Take the image layer over the text layer. Right-click on the image layer and choose "Create Clipping Mask". The image layer will be masked and transformed beautifully.
The keyboard shortcut key for Clipping Mask is - Ctrl + Alt + G (Windows) and Cmd + Opt + G (MAC).

Faria Ahammed Juthi Photo
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Faria Ahammed Juthi

Hi, it's Faria, Content Executive from Color Clipping Ltd with a passion to contribute knowledge sharing more simply. Keep learning and growing with us.