How to Crop in Photoshop to a Specific Shape?

To crop an image to a specific shape in Photoshop, the most direct method is to use the Cookie Cutter Tool.

Using the Cookie Cutter Tool

Here's a breakdown of how to use this tool:

1. Select the Cookie Cutter Tool: In the toolbar on the left side of the Photoshop window, look for the tool that resembles a cookie cutter (it might be grouped with the other shape tools).

2. Choose a Shape: In the options bar at the top of the screen, you'll see a shape picker. Click on the dropdown menu to select the shape you want to use for cropping. Photoshop offers a variety of pre-defined shapes.

3. Draw the Shape: Click and drag on your image to draw the selected shape. This creates a bounding box outlining the area to be cropped.

4. Adjust the Shape (if needed):

   • Reposition: Click inside the bounding box and drag to move the shape over the area you want to keep.
   • Resize: Click and drag the handles on the corners and sides of the bounding box to change the size of the shape.
   • Rotate: Hover your cursor just outside the corners of the bounding box to reveal a curved arrow, then click and drag to rotate the shape.

5. Apply the Crop: Once you're satisfied with the shape's position and size, press the Enter key (or click the checkmark in the options bar) to crop the image to the selected shape. Photoshop will discard the parts of the image outside of the shape.

Alternative Method (Using a Selection)

While the Cookie Cutter Tool is the simplest, here's an alternative using selections:

1. Create a Shape Layer: Use the Shape tools (e.g., Ellipse Tool, Rectangle Tool, Custom Shape Tool) to draw the desired shape on a new layer above your image layer.

2. Create a Selection from the Shape: Right-click on the shape layer in the Layers panel and choose "Rasterize Layer." Then, with the shape layer selected, go to Select > Load Selection. Ensure the "Layer" option is selected and the shape layer is chosen. Click OK. This will create a selection in the shape of your drawing.

3. Select the Image Layer: Click on your image layer in the Layers panel.

4. Inverse the Selection: Go to Select > Inverse. This will select everything outside the shape.

5. Delete the Outside: Press the Delete key. This will remove the portion of the image outside the selected shape.

6. Deselect: Go to Select > Deselect (or press Ctrl+D/Cmd+D).

This method is useful for creating complex custom shapes using the Pen tool.