To make an image border radius in Photoshop, you typically create a rounded shape that serves as a mask or container for your image, effectively giving the image rounded corners.
Here's how to achieve this using the Rounded Rectangle Tool and its Radius option:
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Rounded Image
- Open your image in Adobe Photoshop.
- Select the Rounded Rectangle Tool. You can find this under the Rectangle Tool in the toolbar (you might need to click and hold the Rectangle Tool icon to see other shape options).
- In the Options Bar at the top of the screen, make sure "Shape" is selected from the dropdown menu (not "Path" or "Pixels").
- Click on the "Shape layers" icon in the Options Bar. This confirms you are creating a vector shape layer.
- Set the "Radius" value in the Options Bar. As the reference states, Then, if you move further towards the right, you'll come to the Radius option. This option determines how rounded your corners will be. The higher the number (measured in pixels), the more rounded they'll be.
- Draw the rounded rectangle over your image where you want the rounded corners to appear. The size and position of this shape will determine the final cropped area of your image.
- In the Layers panel, make sure your image layer is directly above the newly created Rounded Rectangle shape layer.
- Right-click on your image layer in the Layers panel and select "Create Clipping Mask".
- Your image will now be clipped inside the rounded rectangle shape, giving it rounded corners based on the Radius value you set.
Understanding the Radius Value
The Radius value directly controls the curvature of the corners.
- A low radius (e.g., 5-10 pixels) results in slightly softened corners.
- A medium radius (e.g., 20-50 pixels) creates a more noticeable curve.
- A high radius (e.g., 100+ pixels) can result in significantly rounded corners, potentially even making a circle if the shape is square and the radius is half the side length or more.
You can experiment with different radius values to achieve the desired look.
Benefits of Using a Shape Mask
- Non-Destructive: Your original image remains unchanged.
- Editable: You can easily change the size, shape, or radius of the rounded rectangle shape layer at any time by selecting the shape layer and using the Properties panel or Free Transform (Ctrl/Cmd + T).
- Flexible: You can move both the image and the shape independently or together.
Summary Table: Key Settings
| Setting | Tool Used | Location | Purpose | Reference Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shape Mode | Rounded Rectangle Tool | Options Bar | Creates a vector shape layer | "Shape layers" icon |
| Radius | Rounded Rectangle Tool | Options Bar | Defines the curvature of corners (pixels) | "Radius option... determines how rounded our corners will be" |
| Clipping Mask | Layers Panel | Right-click menu | Clips the image layer to the shape below | Achieves the "image border radius" effect |
By using the Rounded Rectangle Tool and specifically adjusting the Radius option in the Options Bar after clicking the "Shape layers" icon, you can easily create shapes with rounded corners that are perfect for masking your images and giving them a clean, rounded border effect.
