Both Clipping Path vs Image Masking are photo-editing techniques that can help editors to cut out a subject from its background.
As I wrote in the first paragraph of the article, both Clipping Path and Image Masking are same then the question may occur that why am I writing this article! Basically, the main task or the output is almost the same but the way of doing the clipping path and image masking is different.
Difference between clipping path and image masking
What is Clipping Path?
This is a photoshop’s technique of removing the background from an image using the Pen Tool. The clipping path technique is used for images with sharp, smooth edges.
However, when drawing the path with the Pen Tool, designers need to be extra careful. If the path is drawn poorly, images may look unnatural. If needed, designers should zoom their images in as much as possible to avoid making mistakes.
What is Image Masking?
Image Masking also works to remove the background from images. However, the process of removing the background is completely different. Instead of using the Pen Tool, in image masking, various tools like Eraser Tool, Magic Eraser Tool, and other techniques are used.
Image Masking is more appropriate when the subject has lots of fine lines and small details in it. For example, hair. If designers desire to cut out a human face with hair then Image Masking would be the right technique to apply. Fuzz on sweaters, fur on stuffed animals can be good examples in the e-commerce world.
Clipping Path vs Image Masking
The main differences between Path and Masking are the technique of removing the background from images. Usually, simple images need Clipping Path and complex images require Image Masking.
Now, a controversy may come up that complex images can have its background removed with Clipping Path too. To answer that controversy, the result of Clipping Path may not be as appealing as Image Masking.
I hope this article would make readers understand the differences between Clipping Path and Image Masking.
For further interesting content like this, keep an eye on the blog of OCP.
