The shortcut mentioned in the provided reference relates to the tool used to create the path that forms the basis of a clipping path, rather than the action of creating the clipping path itself.
Understanding the Clipping Path Process
A clipping path in Photoshop is essentially a vector path that defines the edges of an image, making the areas outside the path transparent when the image is saved in certain formats or placed in other applications. The most common way to create this path is by using the Pen Tool.
Using the Pen Tool for Paths
According to the reference:
- You select the Pen Tool from the left option box.
- The shortcut for the Pen Tool is
[P]. - Once selected, you click on the image and start drawing a path along the edges of the object you want to isolate.
Key Action: Pressing the [P] key is the shortcut to quickly select the Pen Tool.
Creating the Clipping Path
While the [P] shortcut selects the tool to draw the path, there isn't a single dedicated keyboard shortcut to turn a completed path into a clipping path. This action is typically performed through the Paths panel menu:
- Complete drawing your path using the Pen Tool (
P). - Go to the Paths panel.
- Click on the panel menu (usually a small icon with horizontal lines in the top-right corner of the panel).
- Select "Clipping Path..." from the dropdown menu.
- In the dialog box that appears, choose the path you created and set the Flatness if needed.
- Click OK.
So, the shortcut [P] gets you started by selecting the right tool, but the final step of creating the clipping path from the path requires navigating the Paths panel menu.
Summary of Shortcuts Mentioned
Here's a quick look at the shortcut highlighted in the reference:
| Action | Shortcut Key |
|---|---|
| Select the Pen Tool | [P] |
While [P] is crucial for drawing the path, the process of defining it as a clipping path involves further steps within the Photoshop interface.
