Photoshop Tutorial Using Clipping Masks

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

using photoshop clipping masks Photoshop Tutorial Using Clipping Masks

Masking images in Photoshop is a very useful design option that has many, many uses. Masks can be used for creating multiple graphics of the same shape. They can be used to create breath taking title graphics as well as impressive images with layered effects.

Creating masked images in Photoshop is a simple process. It’s up to the designer to provide the creativity and vision to create truly impressive graphical pieces.

Create Your Layers

So here we go. First off you’re going to need to pick the medium you wish to mask. In this image I’m using a Droid wallpaper and text, but this can be anything you want.

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As you can see I typed in the text I wanted to mask. This could also be an image or shape or anything else that you would choose to mask. Once this is done drag the layer you wish to mask underneath the mask layer. Here I have dragged the text layer under the Droid wallpaper. The image on top will be masking what ever is below it.

Create Clipping Mask

Now you want to select the layer you wish to mask and right click on it. Select the option, “Create Clipping Mask”. You’ll see your mask appear and in the layers palette you’ll now notice an arrow pointing down signifying the masked layer.

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Like I said easy stuff, but many handy and impressive effects can be created with masks.

Gradients And Clipping Masks

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This is something that is also easy, but impressive if you’re running low on graphic ideas. Create a text layer and mask it with a gradient. Once this is done you can adjust the gradient until you have just the look you are going for. Blending options such as a drop shadow and possibly an outer glow can give you a rather superhero effect that is sharp and takes almost no time to do.

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About Me: Nate Balcom is a web designer and social media guru with over 11 years of experience in the web industry. He specializes in web design and development, SEO and social networking. You can follow him on Twitter here.