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How to make a clipping mask in Photoshop
In This Article
If you want to add a mask to a group of layers in Adobe Photoshop, you’ll need to create a clipping mask. We’ve put together this guide to show you how to make one.
When it comes to using clipping masks, the bottom layer – or base layer – will determine the boundaries of the mask. This can be useful if you want to change the shape of an image or text layer. In this instance, these elements will also take on the opacity of the base layer.
Clipping masks make it possible to apply adjustments to specific layers, which can be great when you’re working on complex projects with lots of different layers and effects.
What you’ll need:
The Short Version
Step1
Open your file in Photoshop
The first step is to identify the layer you want to use to create a clipping mask.
Step2
Right-click on the layer you want to use
You’ll want to make sure this layer is above the edits you wish to apply.
Step3
Choose Create Clipping Mask
This option should be about midway down the dropdown menu.
Step4
That’s it!
You can always remove the clipping mask by right-clicking on the layer again and selecting Release Clipping Mask.
Troubleshooting
If you’re in a hurry, you can quickly create a clipping mask by holding down Alt on a Windows PC or Option on a Mac and clicking on the line that divides the two layers in Photoshop.
If you change your mind, you can easily remove a clipping mask by right-clicking on the layer again and choosing Release Clipping Mask.
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Hannah joined Trusted Reviews as a staff writer in 2019 after graduating with a degree in English from Royal Holloway, University of London. She’s also worked and studied in the US, holding positions …
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Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
