Clipping Path Tutorial

Hello!
This is a short description of how to use the Clipping path included in most of my files at iStockPhoto.
The Clipping Path is simply a vector outline saved within the JPG file.

This tutorial shows how to use the clipping path with Photoshop.
(I didn't test it with GIMP, but as far as I know, it won't work, becouse GIMP doesn't support clipping paths with JPG format.)
I'll show you how to change the white background color, and keep the shadows and reflections effects!

1. Open the downloaded file in Adobe Photoshop
The images with Clipping Path are in fact normal JPG files but with additional data - vector path.
You will find the vector path in the Paths tab on the right side of your screen, next to the Layers and Channels tabs.
Or go to the upper menu: Window -> Paths

01

2. You can use the path to make a Selection. A quick way to do that - just hold the CTRL key and L-click on the Path 1 thumbnail.
You can also R-click on the thumbnail and select Make Selection from the popup menu. In this case an additional window will appear where you can set the Feather value for example.
Now you have the objects selected without background:


3. Since we want to change the background color, we need to Inverse the selection, so the background pixels are selected.
To do that press Shift+Ctrl+I, or go to menu Select -> Inverse
Now we have the background pixels selected

4. Switch back to the Layers tab and create a new layer with the Create a new layer button. A new layer "Layer 1" will appear in the stack.



5. We will use this layer to make a new background for our image.
Change the Foreground color with the Color Picker. This color will be used to make our background color.



6. To fill the selection with the color we picked press left ALT+Backspace or use the Paint Bucket Tool (G).
So far your image should look like this:

7. Ok, that looks good, but now the shadows and reflections are gone! To fix this we need to change the Layer 1 blending mode from Normal to Multiply.



... and here it is:


Last step is to flatten the image - go to upper menu: Layer -> Flatten Image and it's done!
As you can see, you can easily place my images into your design with just few clicks!

Most of my images have Clipping path. In image description I usually place an information whether it has the clipping path.
Check out my portfolio HERE

Feel free to contact me by e-mail: janusz@bascik.pl

I can customize for you any of my images, or if you can't find what you need in my portfolio just let me know and I'll do it.

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