It is a vector path used to cut out an object from an image.
Image and visuals are very important for ecommerce and visual media. A clean and flawless image can improve the trust signal by presenting the products more professionally. On the other hand, a messy or inconsistent background can play adverse impact by hurting the conversion rate.
Clipping path is very essential in this case. It is one of the most common image editing techniques and very crucial for eCommerce product photos. In this article, you will learn the basics of clipping path and its role in creating high-quality images.
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What Is Clipping Path?
In simple word, clipping path is a photo editing technique used for making the selection around the object to remove the background. It allows the editors to make the background smooth and professional.
This technique is commonly performed in Adobe Photoshop using the Pen Tool. The editor carefully draws a vector path by connecting multiple anchor points around the object. The selection line is called as clipping path and acts like boundary. Everything inside the boundary is included and everything outside is excluded when the path is applied.
Once the path is applied, the background can be removed or replaced with white background, transparent background, or any custom design.
Why Clipping Path Is Important
In today’s competitive visual culture, image quality plays key role for representing your brands virtually. It is considered as the first interface for the customers to judge a product before diving into the written description.
With the use of clipping path, you can create a clean and professional image. It works like a scissor in the photo editing apps like Photoshop. It is very important to the ecommerce stores to make the product photos store-ready.
Another important aspect of this is that it ensures image consistency. When all product images have the same background and alignment, the website looks more organized and trustworthy. It improves user experience and boosts the conversion rates.
There are also some SEO advantages. Well optimized product images perform better in Google images search and generates more organic traffic.
How Clipping Path Works
Clipping path is usually done manually with the help of Photoshop pen tool to achieve high accuracy. In contrast, automatic tools often fail to deal with complex edges and detailed objects.
The process begins by opening the image in Photoshop. The editor selects the Pen Tool and starts drawing a path around the subject. The process requires careful attention to curves, edges, and small details. Anchor points are placed along the edges to create a smooth vector path.
After completing the path, it is converted into a selection. The background is then removed or hidden, leaving only the isolated object visible.
The process may sound simple, but it requires skill and patience. A well-made clipping path looks natural and smooth, while a poor one can make the image look artificial.
Types of Clipping Path
The clipping path is divided into different categories based on image complexity. We are going to discuss the categories briefly below:
Basic Clipping Path
Basic clipping path is used for simple objects with straight edges and minimal curves. Products like books, boxes, or mobile phones usually fall into this category. These images require fewer anchor points and less editing time.
Medium Clipping Path
Medium clipping path is applied to objects with more curves and a few holes or inner paths. Items like shoes or furniture often need this level of editing. It requires more anchor points compared to basic clipping.
Complex Clipping Path
Complex clipping path is suitable for the images with uneven edges such as jewelry or bicycle. These types of images contain many curves and small elements. It requires higher level of skill and more time to accomplish this type of task.
Super Complex Clipping Path
Super complex clipping path is applicable for the most detailed images. The images of this category hold intricate patterns, chinks and holes. These are the most time-consuming and require most expert editors to ensure professional quality.
Clipping Path vs Image Masking
Many of us may confuse clipping path with image masking. In real, they are completely different image editing techniques.
Clipping path works best for the images with hard and well-defined edges. It uses vector paths to create sharp and accurate cutouts. This is ideal for most product images like shoe, furniture, apparel, cosmetic items, etc.
On the other hand, image masking is used for soft and complex edges like hair and fur. It involves the expert use of background eraser tool, color separation technique, and layer mask to preserve fine details.
In simple terms, clipping path is perfect for solid objects, while masking is better for soft and complex textures.
When Should You Use Clipping Path?
Clipping path is useful when you are going to use the image for serious purpose like ecommerce, news, advertisement and other publication. It is almost mandatory for the ecommerce images. Most of the marketplaces require pure white background and here comes the necessity of photo clipping. In many cases, clipping path is prerequisite to other image editing services like shadow creation, color correction, and photo retouching.
If your goal is to ensure the highest grade of your visual quality go for handmade clipping path. Cheap and automated background removal tools might be convenient for different personal purposes but it is must to the serve any serious and professional purpose.
Industries That Use Clipping Path
It is quite common in different industries. According to recent statistics, ecommerce brands are the most frequent users of clipping path. Different leading platforms like Amazon, Shopify, eBay have made it mandatory for any successful listing. Photographers and advertising agencies use it to create eye-catching images for their clients.
Moreover, fashion brands, graphic design studios, and digital marketing teams also depend on clipping path to ensure the top-notch quality of their visuals.
Benefits of Professional Clipping Path Service
The key benefit of professional image clipping service is the cost and time efficiency. If you go for professional service provider instead of editing the photos inhouse it will save your time and money. You will definitely get more time to develop your business instead of creating anchor points and connecting it to make the time-consuming selection.
A professional service provides must ensure accurate edge selection for the consistent quality. They can handle big volumes of images without any issues since they are aimed to do it smoothly. Therefore, It will allow you to focus on growth and marketing instead of spending hours on editing.
Manual vs Automatic Background Removal
Now a days, automatic background removal tools have improved a lot. But the automatic tools are not yet perfect for serious photo editing. You can try automatic tools if you are going to create any funny photos for social interaction.
In case of any professional purpose you should use hand drawn clipping service to attain clean and consistent image quality. It ensures smooth edges and clean cutouts. Though manual clipping path is quite time-consuming, it pays off with the result.
Clipping Path Pricing Explained
The cost of clipping path depends mainly on the complexity of the image. Simple images are quick to edit and cost less, while complex images require more time and effort.
There are different other factors like image quantity, turnaround time, and additional services play important role in determining the price.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes in clipping path is rough or jagged edges. It occurs if the anchor points are not placed in the right place and not connected properly. Creating too much anchor points that necessary may downgrade the editing quality.
In case of complex images, the editor may miss small details. It happens as the editors works hours after hours on a single image with more than 100% zoom. Making the images too much smooth may look artificial.
It is essential to zoom in and zoom out frequently, while working on any images for long time, to avoid any unwanted mistake. You should consider these issues while finding a reliable clipping path company.
Final Thoughts
Clipping path is one of the most powerful and essential techniques. It is the handiest photo editing treatment to create clean and sharp images with minimal efforts to attract the customers and improve brand perception.
Whether you are an eCommerce seller, photographer, or designer, understanding and adopting clipping path can significantly improve your visuals for better conversion.
FAQs
- What is clipping path in Photoshop?
- Is clipping path the same as background removal?
Clipping path is one of the most accurate methods of background removal.
- Can beginners learn clipping path?
Yes, with practice and patience, beginners can learn it.
- Why is clipping path important for eCommerce?
It creates clean and professional product images that increase trust and sales.
Asha is working as a Creative Director at Clipping Mask Asia. She has completed her Graduation from the University of Dhaka inFilm and Television Studies. She has vast knowledge in Photography, Videography, Video Editing, 3D Modeling, Rendering and Animation. She loves to explore the creative world with her academic knowledge, experience and creative mind. She writes creative blogs on design, illustration and editing for renowned brands like Clipping Mask Asia.