Ever wondered how images get their clean, professional look with perfect backgrounds? Well, Clipping Path is the technique behind it. In simpler terms, it is a digital cutout technique that allows the object to be isolated from the background. It gives the designer the freedom to replace or remove the background of the object entirely.
And nowadays, they are more important than ever. From billboards to e-commerce websites, clipping paths help business owners get polished-looking visuals. If you are a business owner and have not been familiar with clipping paths until now, you are missing out on potential customers.
If you ever wondered why everyone's images always look flawless but not yours; that is the answer. But don't worry, here we are going to explore what clipping paths are, all about and how to use them to make you stand out in 2024!
What is a Clipping Path?
Well, we've already introduced you to Clipping Paths. To describe it further, it's a graphic design technique used by professional photo editors and designers. It is also sometimes interchangeably called "deep-etching."
A Clipping Path helps to isolate a specific portion of an image by creating a closed or vector path around the selected object. After that, editors can clip the rest of the background, leaving only the selected portion visible. This path acts as a mask to hide or remove everything outside of it.
This technique is most commonly used to create transparent background images or to isolate objects from their background. It's primarily done using professional editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. This software offers meticulous control over the path's shape and precision.
By utilising these techniques, editors achieve clean, polished results that can't be achieved otherwise. So, if you think about it, Clipping Path has more significant power over image design than any other technique. It is what gives photo editing, retouching, and graphic design projects professional product photos
When is Clipping Path being used?
Clipping Paths aren't just a photo editors tool to keep a bad photo away. It is ready to tackle a variety of visual challenges. Well, here's where Clipping Path shines brighter:
Background Removal
Suppose you clicked a beautiful picture but the background... hmmm... not so professional looking. A cluttered background can hinder your product's beauty. Here's what the clipping path does best. It tidies up your images by snipping away the unwanted background. Now you can place it on your background of choice.
Retouching
Your product image should always look professional. So you shouldn't shy away when it comes to perfecting your image. Clipping paths help to retouch and enhance the specific selected areas of your images. Keep the unwanted dilemma away from your product image.
Color Correction
Do certain parts of your product photos look dull compared to the rest of the photos? Do you want a vibrant color for that part to match with the rest of the photo? Well, here clipping path is for your rescue. It helps to adjust the color within the selected areas by keeping the overall appearance exactly the same. You won't know if anything actually happened here, but you got the color corrected.
Color Change:
You want to bring sunny yellow to your image, but camera delivers a completely out-of-the-blue type of color. What to do now? Clipping Path! Easy, right? Similar to color correction, the clipping path can change the color of the object or a part of the object without changing or impacting the rest of the image.
Image Manipulation:
Not just object removal or adjusting the image, clipping paths can be used to manipulate images by combining elements from different photos. You can easily adjust colors on specific areas or create completely different masks or overlays.
Removing Unwanted Objects in Photos:
With clipping path, you can remove any unwanted objects in photos. Erasing distracting or unwanted parts is just an easy job with clipping paths.
Different Kinds of Clipping Paths You Need to Know
Each clipping path method is used for a different thing, from simple shapes to complex patterns. Designers and photographers can precisely separate, change, and improve parts of a picture.
Simple Clipping Path:
A single-layer clipping path is about creating a straightforward, easy outline around the object of an image. With the help of the Photoshop pen tool, you can create the path in a single layer. It doesn't require intricate detailing. This one is a basic, no-fuss version.
Multiple Clipping Path:
This involves several paths within the same image. That means in an image you will get multiple subjects on the same background. Here you can separate the subject with multi-layer paths.
This one is particularly useful for color correction and object separation. You can edit a single object of the image without touching other objects.
Complex Clipping Path:
As the name suggests, this clipping path is used for intricate detail images or images with irregular shapes.
For example, a model with flowing hair or a tree with all its leaves. Here you may need to isolate the model with curly hair from the busy background. In such images, you need precise attention to select every curly strand from the image. This job is done by the complex clipping path using the precise pen tool.
What Tool Do We Need to Create a Clipping Path in Photoshop?
Clipping paths can be done by pen tool in Photoshop.
Pen Tool:
Precision and control. The Pen Tool is the go-to tool for creating clipping paths in Photoshop. Here's why:
Precision: The Pen Tool lets you draw an accurate path around the subject. You can place points exactly where you want and adjust them to match the subject's shape perfectly.
Control: With the Pen Tool, you have full control. You can add, remove, or adjust points to fine-tune the outline precisely as you need. This control is vital for getting top-quality results, especially with complex shapes.
Professional Quality: In fields like photography, image editing and graphic design, the pen tool ensures that every detail of the outline is perfect, meeting the high standards needed for professional work.
To create a clipping path by the pen tool, start by selecting it from the toolbar. Then, click to place points around the subject, adjusting them for smooth curves and sharp angles. Once you're done, you can turn the outline into a selection, or mask to fit your project requirements.
Can AI Replace Manual Background Remove?
AI is so advanced in 2024 that it can replace monotonous work. But can it replace manual background removal as well?
AI tools can quickly handle your tasks, including bulk tasks, especially for e-commerce sites where hundreds of product images need background removal.
However, for complex images, it's a big NO.
You can use the Pen Tool, Lasso Tool, Masking, or Magic Wand Tool to remove the background in Photoshop, add a new one, or make it transparent. Editors can create paths based on specific needs, ensuring each curve and edge is perfectly defined. This guarantees the image meets high-quality standards.
For complex images and professional work, manual background removal remains at the top. It allows for customization on high-stakes projects and benefits from the finesse of a human touch. For quick general edits, AI can be useful, but it is not yet a complete replacement for manual background removal.
Who Requires Clipping Path Services?
It is not just for a single industry. Many industries and professionals nowadays require high-quality images. Here's a look at who benefits the most from clipping path services.
- E-commerce business
- Photographers
- Publishers
- Fashion industry
- Manufacturers
All these industries and professionals require clipping path services to enhance and perfect their images.
What is the Cost of Clipping Path?
Curious about what the Clipping Path service can cost you? It doesn't cost you a fortune.
Simple Clipping Path service starts at just $0.45 per image. But if you need multiple layers or complex layer clipping path services, then the per-image price will be increased a bit. Also, for additional services, you need to keep extra costs in mind. For example:
- Bulk Orders: Got a lot of images? For bulk orders, you may score a discount on the per-image price.
- Additional Services: Need image retouching or color correction alongside background removal? You may need to add extra for that.
- Professional Service Provider: Depending on the level of professional services, prices can vary. Some pros charge extra, but of course, you will get what you pay for.
Significance of Clipping Paths in the Photo Editing Industry
Clipping Path Services is revolutionizing the way they perfect each and every image. It is used in almost every image editing.
From e-commerce to the photo editing industry, the clipping path is everywhere. It elevates the quality of images, giving your brand the credibility you are craving.
With the right tools and techniques, the clipping path can craft intricate compositions without any limitations. It becomes the foundation of endless possibilities.
Whether it's removing backgrounds or enhancing e-commerce product images, the possibilities with clipping paths are limitless. It can make an ordinary image an extraordinary work of art.
Conclusion
Clipping Path is like a secret tool behind every picture-perfect visual. From the precision of pictures and background beautification to annoying background removal, you need clipping path.
So the next time your photos need a little help or a makeover, try clipping paths. Remember, when in doubt, clip it out!
