Nowadays, the importance of photoshop work and its demand for e-commerce product photography is skyrocketing. This subtle work has an enormous impact on alluring online shoppers.

Photoshop performance depends largely on different techniques. It takes effort to master those. One of those is a clipping path/ deep etch.

This tutorial is to demonstrate this integral technique of photoshop and how to do it.

On we go.

What is a Clipping Path in Photoshop?

Clipping path is a technique, a close vector path that cuts a 2D object from its background. After applying the technique, everything outside the path gets removed. Thus that cut part stands alone.

The work is also known as Deep Etch and is done with the pen tool in photoshop. Due to the better cropping and sharpness, this task is mostly performed for eCommerce product photography.

What is The Purpose of a Clipping Path?

Being a vital photoshop work, clipping path fulfills several purposes for an image, such as:

• Separate an object from Background
• Removing background from an image
• Changing any part of an image
• Changing color of the background
• Removing unnecessary objects from and image
• Prioritizing product on e-commerce product photography
• Use any particular object on a distinctive background

Tutorial: How to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop

Though creating a clipping path is no big deal, one still needs some practice to be perfect with the work. The more you’ll practice, the accurate your clipping path will be. So, let’s check out the steps to create a clipping path in photoshop:

Step 1: Open File

Launch photoshop on your pc. Go to File and click on Open… to open the file you want to work with.

Step 2: Pick a Pen Tool

Next, go to the toolbar menu. Just above the Text tool, you’ll see a pen icon. Click on that to pick the pen tool.

Step 3: Create Anchor Points

Now you’re going to do the main part. At first, you’ll have to zoom your image to see the edges clearly. To do that, press on Ctrl and + buttons together on your keyboard. You can keep it around 200%.

Zooming will allow you to draw the path accurately. Now, start drawing anchor points around the subject. Just click anywhere on the edge to draw your first anchor point. Then keep drawing one after another till you reach the starting point.

To draw it accurately, you might have to draw several curve lines. To do that, press the Alt button on your keyboard and drag the anchor point’s head according to your need.

When you’re separating one object from another, you need to be careful with the edges to give it a natural look. So mark as perfectly as possible.

Step 4: Inside Path

This image has some empty spaces inside the main image. So we’ll have to create separate clipping paths for those.

Step 5: Save Path

When you’re done with the marking, go to the layer panel from the right side of photoshop. Then click on the path tab. Now, go to the Menu on the left corner and select Save Path. A box will pop up. There, name the path as ‘Path 1’.

Step 6: Clipping Path

Now, go to the same menu and click on Clipping Path.

A box will pop up showing some options. There is one box called Flatness. Flatness is the count of the closeness of the clipping path to the edge of the image. This determines the smoothness of the image.

An increased value of the flatness makes the edge blur. If the value is lesser, the edge will be smoother and sharper.

Step 7: Save Your Photo

Finally, save your image. You can use this file later to make any changes there. Or you can send it to someone else too, the path will be there and they can use it according to their need.

Don’t forget to save both the psd and jpeg files. This will give you access to use this image in whichever way you want.

To Add or Remove Background :

After saving the photo, you can use the image anytime for whatever change you want to make. For example, you can change the background from this image. Make sure you’re done with making the clipping path, including all the inside paths.

Now, go to the toolbar menu. Just under the Text icon, there is a path selection tool click. Click on the Path Selection Icon.

Now draw a square box around the subject. This will select all the paths you have created.

Make sure you have checked the Exclude overlapping shapes option from the top menu.

Now, click on the right button of your mouse and click on ‘Make Selection’.

A box will pop up. Set the Radius and click on OK.

Now go to the Layer Panel and click on the rectangular icon (which looks like Japan’s national flag) to add a layer mask. After clicking on the icon, your background will be removed.

Why is Clipping Path Important?

21st century’s shopping is completely online-based and way more competitive. That’s why online marketers/sellers need to deliver accurate messages across all channels with consistency. And guess what works here upfront? Yes, visuals!

Good quality images often come from the subtlety of post-production works. This is the spot where clipping paths play their role.

E-marketers know these, and that’s why they look for professionals who can do these jobs. How important is a clipping path to make them this enthusiastic? Here’s how-

1. Stay ahead of the game.

Online is an enormous platform, and the competition there is scary. So they must be prepared not to lose track, stand themselves out, and convince clients. Hence, the first weapon will be good images.

2. Good products have good images.

As a consumer, we don’t risk buying products that’s not visually appealing. So, why will others? They say quality products have quality images. Raw images don’t always show the actual product’s look. This is where a clipping path can make a difference by making the product evident.

3. Eye-catchy images help increase sales.

Products having good images attract more viewers. Thus it leads to increased sales. A slight touch-up of the clipping path can dramatically bring an attention-grabbing look. It convinces potential buyers to pay heed to that product and helps increase sales.

4. Good images establish brands’ consistency.

For any brand, being consistent is a good trait, and it helps gain recognition. Posting good images can assist you in remaining consistent. As a clipping path enhances image look and retains the quality, brands can satisfy potential viewers with lucrative product photos.

Why Outsource a Clipping Path Service?

Outsourcing can be another name of convenience, a good way to get hassle-free professional work. Various top-notch Clipping Path Service Providers offer this service at a competitive price.

The reason is the benefit they get is worth their time, money, and expertise. Take a look at those benefits right here-

1. Cost Cutting Solution

Outsourcing such a service has always been considered as a low-cost solution, much less than the production cost.

2. Productivity Improvement

Every company needs productive results. It requires time and actions focused on it to achieve that result. Outsourcing can free up your space to grow.

3. Risk Reduction

No risk, no gain. Even so, nobody wants to risk something that has no prospects in it. The best photo editing service providers are experienced and equipped enough to provide the quality services you desire.

4. Expert’s Service

Here’s the real deal. Even though there are many service providers that claim to provide the best service, we suggest you check out their experience to ensure expertise. A service provider, who has years of expertise, is sure to serve you the best output.

5. Priority on Efficiency

Every brand wants to utilize its resources to increase efficiency. Doing the job by the right people should be a priority to ensure that.

When you outsource clipping paths, you can be assured that expert professionals are handling your project, as they have all the necessary equipment and knows the rope well.

I hope this article described Clipping Path well. If you have any further question please leave a comment below. I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thanks.