Clipping Path vs Clipping Masking

Clipping path and clipping mask are both used to remove the image background from an image. But these two techniques are different and also usable in different scenarios. In this article, I will be telling you about clipping path vs clipping mask. Let’s get started…

Clipping path

Clipping path also known as a cutout or deep etch is a photo editing technique which requires a professional hand. It is done by the pen tool in the Photoshop. It works on sharp edges and curves. With this tool you will be able to draw lines through edges and curves of any object. After that you can remove the background perfectly without any hassle. Not only for background removing you can use cutout technique for color correction and shadow creation also.

Clipping mask

Clipping mask is also known as image masking or layer masking which is an image editing technique also. It is used where the clipping path can work properly like fur, hair, and fuzzy images. Even when your image has fine lines and small details you can use image masking. The image masking is performed using a number of Photoshop tools. Such as the “Background Eraser Tool”, the “Magic Eraser Tool” and the method for color separation. The masking process you use for your pictures will depend on some variables, and in some instances, you will have to use more than one.  For instance, you'll likely need a mixture of picture masking methods. If the picture you're editing is very complicated, with shades or several background colors.

Clipping path vs Clipping mask

The difference between cutout and image masking is understandable as both of them can perform a different task. So both of them has different and equal priority in the image editing genre. You cannot use deep etch technique on a smooth-edged image it will look wired. Clipping path has categories which are made depending on the image. these are simple clipping path, complex clipping path and super complex clipping path which is also known as multi path. Simple clipping path is for straight-line edges like bottles and boxes. Complex clipping path is for a bit more complex images where you will need to create more than on path such as clothes and bags. Multi clipping path is for more complex images where you will get multiple edges, curves to work with.

Clipping path works with hard curves and edges. Whereas image masking works where curves and edges are near impossible to determine. Image masking helps to make those kinds of images look real and believable. People won’t buy product on wired looking images, right? The beautiful model images you see, ever wondered how their backgrounds are changed so perfectly especially on the hair part. Only masking can do those hard work and give your perfect finish.

Clipping path and clipping masking both play a very important role and you cannot give full complement to one of them. So try to use where they are required in your image editing project.

Comments

[Smith]

Generally, the difference between clipping path and image masking is the technique you use to remove the background from an image. More complex images require image masking. It is technically possible to remove the background from complex images with clipping path, but the result isn’t always as appealing as it would’ve been with image masking. As you can tell, the image edited with clipping path looks unnatural.