Clipping Path in Photoshop CC is a game-changer in professional photo editing. It allows you to isolate subjects, remove unwanted backgrounds, and refine every edge with precision. If you want your images to look clean, sharp, and professional, learning how to create a clipping path properly is essential.
This step-by-step tutorial explains how to create a clipping path in Photoshop CC using the Pen Tool, even if you’re a beginner. Clipping paths created in Photoshop are widely used in professional image editing workflows, especially in eCommerce, advertising, and product photography.
What is Clipping Path?
A clipping path is a closed vector outline created around an object using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop. This path controls which parts of an image remain visible and which parts are removed or hidden.
Clipping paths are mainly used to remove or replace backgrounds, isolate products or objects, and create clean cut-outs with hard edges. If you are new to this technique, understanding what a clipping path is will help you apply it more effectively in Photoshop.
How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop CC
The method of clipping path in Photoshop works best with items that have distinct hard edges surrounding them. You may make path clipping with some other editing products like Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. The work procedure of Clipping Path Service is pretty simple with the touch of an expert hand. Well, this is obvious that bringing the best requires the best.
So, if you are new to this, take some time to make yourself efficient so that you can be an expert someday. We have a short article on the work process named “How We Do Clipping Path”. You can have some ideas from there.
Step 1: Load a Photo in Photoshop
Open Adobe Photoshop CC (any version from CC2018 to CC2024 works). Go to File > Open, select your image, and click Open. This loads your image into the workspace.
Step 2: Select the Pen Tool
Go to the Tools panel from the Photoshop window, then select the Pen tool from there. You will find the tools panel on the left of the window. Just in case you cannot see the panel there, go to Photoshop Menu Window>Tools, and the panel will be visible.
However, you can organize your tools panel in one line or two and change the size as well. You can also select the “Pen Tool” by pressing the shortcut key “P”. You will find several options in the group, but choose only the Pen Tool for your path creation.
Step 3: Create a Clipping Path Using the Pen Tool
Depending on your photo resolution, you can zoom in up to a certain level on your chosen image. Now, click and drag the mouse pointer to the next point following the edge of the subject. Then let go.
After you’ve achieved a perfect distance and shape, go for the next one. Click on the image edge at another point and repeat the process until you’ve finished creating a path around the image. When you see this O symbol, stop at the moment. So, this “O” symbol indicates that you will be closing the path.
In some versions, you may not see the symbol, but the starting point should be the ending point when you complete the path. You can also use the “alt” key to alter the path handle for the right selection.
Step 4: Save the Path
As we have created the path, it is time to save it. The best way to save the work path is by double-clicking on the path layer named ‘Work Path’. You will have another window named ‘Save Path’ where you can name it or save it as ‘Path 1’.
Well, there is no other way to save the path layer, and this process is not difficult, I believe. However, you can go for further operations without saving the path if you do not need it. You can make the selection, isolate the subject from the image, or place the cut-out subject in another project.
But I strongly suggest saving the path in the layer and in the image. To save the path in JPEG format image, just use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl/Command+S for Win/MAC.
Step 5: Apply Further Operations
Once the path is saved, you can:
- Convert the path to a selection (Ctrl/Cmd + Enter)
- Copy the selected object to a new layer
- Create a layer mask
- Remove or replace the background
For complex edges like hair or fur, designers often compare techniques. Knowing the difference between image masking and clipping paths helps you choose the right method.
Why Clipping Path in Photoshop is Important
Clipping paths play a critical role in online business and digital design. They are widely used for:
- eCommerce product images
- Product catalogs
- Advertisements and banners
- Brochures and marketing materials
For example, if a product photo has a distracting background, creating a clipping path allows you to isolate the subject and place it on a clean or transparent background. This technique is heavily used in many real-world projects, including the common uses of clipping paths in Photoshop for eCommerce and marketing visuals.
Best Practices for Clean Clipping Paths
To achieve professional results:
- Use fewer anchor points
- Avoid jagged curves
- Zoom in frequently
- Always save your paths
- Use the Pen Tool instead of automatic selection tools
Adobe itself recommends vector-based selections like paths for precision-critical editing tasks.
At Length | Clipping Path in Photoshop CC
Clipping Path in Photoshop CC is more than just a technical skill—it’s an art that combines patience, precision, and experience. Simple objects are easy to cut out, but complex images require advanced control and a steady hand.
If you’re new to Photoshop, regular practice with the Pen Tool will dramatically improve your editing skills and help you produce professional-quality images.
If creating perfect paths feels time-consuming, professional clipping path services can help you achieve accurate results faster without compromising quality.
Final Thought On Clipping Path in Photoshop CC
Learning how to create a clipping path in Photoshop CC is essential for anyone working with product images, marketing visuals, or professional photo editing. With proper practice and technique, you can achieve clean, sharp cut-outs that elevate image quality.
At Clipping World, our team of 150+ professional designers works 24/7 to deliver accurate clipping paths at scale. Try our FREE TRIAL to see the quality for yourself.
FAQs: Clipping Path in Photoshop CC
A clipping path in Photoshop CC is a closed vector outline created using the Pen Tool to isolate an object from its background. It allows precise background removal and clean cut-outs.
The Pen Tool is the primary tool used to create clipping paths in Photoshop. It provides full control over anchor points and curves for accurate selections.
Yes, clipping paths are better for images with hard edges because they offer pixel-perfect precision. The Background Eraser may leave rough edges, while clipping paths remain clean and editable.
Image masking is better for complex edges like hair, fur, or smoke. Clipping paths work best for objects with clear, hard edges such as products, bottles, and electronics.
Yes. You can save a clipping path by renaming the “Work Path” in the Paths Panel. Saved paths can be reused, edited, or exported with the image.
Yes. Despite AI tools, professional editors still rely on clipping paths in Photoshop CC for accuracy, control, and high-end commercial image editing.