Difference Between Clipping Path and Masking

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Many people are confused between the use of masking and clipping path to remove background from an image. The ultimate objective of both these methods is to isolate an object from an image. However, the process used for the isolation process is different in these two methods. Keep on reading this article to learn more about the difference between clipping path and masking.

What is clipping path?

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A clipping path is an invisible line that can enclose a specific area of a raster image. It can easily be done with the assistance of Adobe Photoshop. According to the developers of Photoshop, the objects that lie inside the clipping path only gets printed in the output and it ignores everything else. The clipping path can be drawn with the assistance of a pen tool. However, it needs to be done with extra care as a single mistake can put all your efforts in vain.

The clipping path is commonly used in places where we need to extract images with sharp and regular edges. You can use this technique to cut an image from any raster graphic.

What is masking?

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In Photoshop, masking is being used to hide or mask a specific part of the image layer. The mask is composed of white and black areas. In other words, it differentiate the visible pixels from the rest. The part of the layer that is indicated with black will hide the layer and the mask with white will reveal the layer.

True designers seek the assistance of masking in order to cut specific areas from graphics. The best thing about masking is that it is non-destructive. You can easily make the hidden parts visible with the help of a white mask. Or else, you can hide a specific area that is hidden with a white mask by drawing a black mask. In other words, masking does not erase the pixels of a graphic.