Clipping Path VS Image Masking: Understanding The Differences

clipping path vs image masking

Clipping Path and Image Masking are photo-editing techniques that help the photo editors cut the background subject. However, both these techniques are used in different situations. Like, with clipping path, you may not get all the details well with these images, so image masking plays a more significant role.

Let us now understand the clipping path, image masking, and the difference between these two techniques.

 

Clipping Path

Clipping Path is mainly done with the pen tool and used for straight and hard edges. But, the poorly drawn clipping path makes the images look unrealistic and unreal. So, it is essential to spend patience and time creating these images. Moreover, while making a design, you need to separate the specific area from the ultimate background. In this case, a clipping path is used to create a temporary shape and pick only the selected area.

Image Masking

This technique is also used to remove the background from the images, but it is different from the clipping path. Here, the editor uses various tools like magic eraser tool, eraser tool, pen tool, and other tools to remove the present background from the images. This technique is best when the subject has many small details and fine lines.

clipping path and image masking

Difference Between Clipping Path And Image Masking

  • Effect on the Look of the Images: Clipping Path makes the images look unreal, whereas image masking makes the images look realistic. Clipping Path either erases or does color masking to manipulate the images.
  • Complexity Involved: Clipping Path is not much complex as compared to image masking, as in clipping path, you just have to remove the portions of an image from its background. This simple method is for easy shapes and objects. But, for minute details and images that involve complexity, image masking is the best technique. It is good for images like hairline, fur, etc., as it gives them a natural look.
  • Edges of the Images: Clipping Path is suitable for images with hard edges, as the pen tool is easy to use on these types of images. But, image masking is not perfect for the hard edges, as it involves more hard work and labor along with time. Image Masking supports images with soft edges.
  • Original View to Images: Clipping Path supports vector paths, which means it is best for hard and sharp images. Like, the product photographs need sharp edges to give them a good look. However, the Image Masking technique is great if you want to retain the original view of the image after removing the background.

Therefore, both the image masking and clipping path play an essential role in making the image look perfect for online businesses, photographers, or individual projects. A few images may require an amalgamation of both, as one technique may prove time-consuming for some images. Here, you can take the image editing services from Clipping Design Home. We can help you restore originality through image masking and temporarily remove a part of the image with our clipping path services. Also, you can take advantage of our free trial and know more about our services.

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