While image masking and clipping paths both provide similar results when used to alter images, they do so in quite distinct ways.
Two crucial image editing techniques, portrait masking, and clipping paths may help you separate a subject from its background.
The main difference between clipping path and masking is how the topic is separated.
Let’s examine the distinctions between clipping path and masking as well as the many projects that each method of image editing is best suited for.
What does the phrase “clipping route” refer to?
Similar to image masking, a clipping path is an image editing technique that lets you eliminate an image’s background without having any impact on the actual image.
You may create a clipping path in Photoshop by first selecting paths that form a closed vector shape using the pen tool, which will then remove a specific area of the image for you.
Everything positioned within the path will be picked, whilst everything outside the path will be ignored.
A clipping path is often used when the subject of the image has simple edges. Examples of such topics are boxes, straightforward accessories, and decorations.
Image masking – what is it?
The usage of image masking may also be used to remove the background from a photograph.
This technique takes use of a variety of Photoshop features, including the Background Eraser Tool, the Magic Eraser Tool, and the color separation technique.
The usage of masks offers a non-destructive way to change a section of an image without affecting the rest of it.
As a result, image editors have greater freedom in deciding where and how to make changes to images.
It is often working for illustrations with more intricately drawn lines, such as hair, fur, and the like.
The Differences: Clipping Path Vs Image Masking
Both the clipping path and the image masking techniques may be used to eliminate the backdrop from a photograph, although they work in somewhat different ways.
For more intricate photographs, image masking is necessary.
In principle, it is possible to utilize a clipping path to remove the backdrop from challenging images, but the final result is not nearly as appealing as it would have been if image masking had been used instead.
The image that is presented above demonstrates how the clipping path-modified image seems unnatural.
In order to get the desired effect for this image—two perfume bottles that stand out and are neatly clipped—Sigil Scent most likely used a clipping path.
And in order to get the necessary natural but clean contour in this Crown Affair scrunchie photograph, the background was probably eliminated by the photo editor using an image masking method.
It’s crucial to remember that drop shadow was also applied.
Using the clipping path tool for precise, straight lines and the masking tool for softer, more detailed areas allows you to merge the two techniques into a single image.
If an image has to be edited using both techniques, it is recommended to begin with a clipping path before switching to masking.
This will lead to the best results.
For instance, it’s likely that Lovevery’s play gym has undergone some kind of alteration including clipping paths and masking.
Clipping paths might be utilized to easily change the toy’s more distinct lines, although masking would be preferable for the baby’s hair and the softer material at the bottom.
What does the Comparison of Clipping Paths and Masking Come Down to?
Neither the clipping route nor the masking approach is better than the other for eliminating the background from a picture.
Both clipping path and masking adjustments may be used when editing images.
When dealing with the wide variety of photographs needed for e-commerce photography, this is especially true.
Additionally, both need a lot of practice to become competent.
