To create a clipping mask in Photoshop, place the image you want to clip above the layer you want to clip to, then right-click on the top layer and select "Create Clipping Mask."
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Arrange Your Layers: In your Layers panel, ensure the layer you want to clip (the image that will be masked) is positioned directly above the layer that will act as the mask (the shape or text that defines the visible area).
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Right-Click and Create Clipping Mask: Right-click on the layer that you want to clip (the top layer). From the context menu, choose "Create Clipping Mask." Alternatively, you can select the layer and go to Layer > Create Clipping Mask.
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Observe the Result: The top layer (the one you clipped) will now be clipped to the layer directly below it. You'll see a small arrow appear in the Layers panel, pointing down from the clipped layer to the masking layer. Only the portion of the top layer that overlaps the content of the bottom layer will be visible.
Example:
Let's say you have a photo of a landscape (your top layer) and a text layer that spells out "HELLO" (your bottom layer). By creating a clipping mask, the landscape photo will appear inside the letters of "HELLO". Only the part of the landscape that's within the boundaries of the text will be visible.
Tips and Considerations:
- Multiple Layers: You can clip multiple layers to a single base layer. All layers above the base layer that are set as clipping masks will be affected.
- Release Clipping Mask: To undo the clipping mask, right-click on the clipped layer in the Layers panel and select "Release Clipping Mask".
- Layer Order: The order of your layers is crucial. The clipping mask won't work if the layer to be clipped is below the masking layer.
- Layer Visibility: Ensure both the layer you're clipping and the mask layer are visible.
