Creative clipping

Learn how to use clipping masks in order to to craft a dynamic digital effect in Photoshop CC

There are all sorts of tricks you can do with layers in Photoshop, from blending modes to filters and tonal changes. But one technique that is perhaps less well known is clipping masks. Perhaps this is because it’s seen mainly as a tool for designers, but this powerful feature can be equally useful for photographers. Whether you want to create eye-catching conceptual art like this or more simple layouts and photo frames, clipping masks can be incredibly useful.

Essentially, a clipping mask requires two things: a shape and something to fill it. For our shapes here we’ve used a series of simple flourish designs (you’ll find a layered psd file among the project files with an array of flourishes to choose from). We simply copy our hand image on top of a flourish layer, then ‘clip’ the hand to the flourish so that the only parts of it that are visible are those that are directly above the shape. From here, we can repeat the process to build up the effect while adding depth with colour changes, shadows and strokes. We’ll look at the basics of clipping masks here, and you’ll find a full walkthrough in the accompanying video.

1 What is a clipping mask?

A clipping mask hides parts of a layer by confining a layer to the shape of a layer below. As such, you need two layers – the shape you’d like to use and the content you’d like to fill in the shape. Our overlapping effect is created via curved flourish shapes. Each one has a copy of the hand image ‘clipped’ to it, which confines the hand image to the flowing shape.

2 Clip a layer

Open the flourish image and reveal one of the flourish shapes, then open the hand image. To create a clipping mask we need to copy one image to another using the Move tool (drag an image to the tab of another document, then down inside to copy it over). Copy in the hand image, position it on top then right-click the hand layer and ‘Create Clipping Mask’. Alternatively, hold Alt and clip the line between the two layers.

3 Clip Adjustments

What if we just want to alter one layer? We can clip an Adjustment layer so it only works on the base layer. Here, a Hue/Saturation Adjustment lets us change colours (check ‘Colorize’). To clip an adjustment, Alt-click the line between layers or use the ‘Clip to layer’ icon in the Layer settings. We’ve duplicated our layers and varied the colours by tweaking the Hue.

4 Transform clipped layers

We can adjust the size or shape of the clipped layer or lower layer independently of one another. Here it means we can change the position of the flowing shapes to suit our effect. To alter the position or sizing of a layer, highlight it and hit Cmd/ Ctrl+T to transform, then drag the bounding box. Alternatively, check the ‘Show Transform Controls’ box in the Move tool options.

5 Use layer masks

In some ways, clipping masks are similar to layer masks, as both let you hide or reveal part of a layer, and you can use a layer mask with a clipping mask. Here we’ve used a layer mask to confine a flourish to the shape of the thumb, so the area looks in front of the details behind. Make a selection of the thumb using the Quick Selection tool, then highlight the flourish layer and click the Add Mask icon to create a mask of the area.

6 Add depth with shadows

Layer Styles can add depth. Click the FX button at the bottom of the Layers Panel. A Drop Shadow adds shadows, while Stroke creates a solid black outline around a few of the flourishes. We can use other flourish shapes (see the supplied psd file) or re-use the same set of layers. Highlight several then hold Alt and drag them up or down the stack to make a quick copy, then reposition the flourish shape.