This article explains how to use Clipping masks in Photoshop CC and Photoshop Elements to cut a picture into a custom shape. Also included: how to add graduated transparency and layer effects to the cut-outs.

What to Know

  • Open image > select Layer > New > Layer from Background. Name the layer > OK.Then, select the shapes tool > choose a custom shape tool > pick a custom shape > draw the shape inside the image. Next, in Layers palette: Drag shape layer below picture layer. Right-click picture layer > select Create Clipping Mask.

How to Cut a Picture Into a Shape With Photoshop CC

Open the picture you want to cut into a shape and perform the following steps:

  • Open an image in Photoshop. Select Layer > New > Layer from Background.
  • Type a name for the layer and select OK.
  • Click on the Shapes tool and select Custom Shape Tool.
  • Select a custom shape for your cut-out in the tool options bar.
  • Draw the shape in the approximate location where you want the shape to crop your picture. The shape will cover the chosen area of the picture.
  • In the Layers palette, swap the order of the layers by dragging the shape layer below the picture layer.
  • If the Layers palette isn’t visible, select Window > Layer to open it.
  • Right -click the picture layer in the Layers palette and select Create Clipping Mask.
  • In older versions of Photoshop, this command is called Group with previous.

The picture layer is cropped to the shape below it. The Layers palette shows the clipped layer indented with an arrow pointing down at the shape layer to show they are joined in a clipping group. Both layers are independent, so you can select the move tool and adjust the size and position of the picture or the shape.

Open an image in Photoshop. Select Layer > New > Layer from Background.

Type a name for the layer and select OK.

Click on the Shapes tool and select Custom Shape Tool.

Select a custom shape for your cut-out in the tool options bar.

Draw the shape in the approximate location where you want the shape to crop your picture. The shape will cover the chosen area of the picture.

In the Layers palette, swap the order of the layers by dragging the shape layer below the picture layer.

If the Layers palette isn’t visible, select Window > Layer to open it.

Right -click the picture layer in the Layers palette and select Create Clipping Mask.

In older versions of Photoshop, this command is called Group with previous.

How to Cut a Picture Into a Shape With Photoshop Elements

The process for cutting images into shapes with Photoshop Elements in basically the same, but the interface is a little different:

  • In Photoshop Elements, select Layer > New > Layer from Background.
  • Type a name for the layer and select OK.
  • Click on the Shapes tool and select Custom Shape Tool.
  • Select a custom shape for your cut-out in the tool options bar.
  • Draw the shape in the approximate location where you want it to crop your picture. The shape will cover up your picture.
  • In the Layers palette, swap the order of the layers by dragging the shape layer below the picture layer.
  • If the Layers palette isn’t visible, select Window > Layer to open it.
  • Right-click the picture layer in the Layers palette and select Create Clipping Mask.

Saving and Using the Picture Cut-out

If you want to use the transparent image elsewhere, you need to save it in a format that supports transparency such as PNG. You also need to ensure that the source program supports your chosen format with transparency.

In Photoshop Elements, select Layer > New > Layer from Background.

Draw the shape in the approximate location where you want it to crop your picture. The shape will cover up your picture.

Right-click the picture layer in the Layers palette and select Create Clipping Mask.

You can also use the cookie cutter tool in Photoshop Elements to quickly cut a picture into a predefined shape, but using a clipping mask gives you greater control over how the final image looks.

If you want to preserve the layers for possible editing later, save a copy in the PSD format. If you want to use the cutout in another Photoshop project right away, press Ctrl + A (for Windows) or Command + A (for Mac) to select all and then go to Edit > Copy Merged. You can then paste your cutout into another document.

To keep the layers editable as a smart object In Photoshop, select both layers, then right-click in the Layers palette and choose Convert to Smart Object. You can then drag the smart object into another Photoshop document.

How to Make Clipping Masks With Graduated Transparency

A clipping mask works with text or pixel layers as well, so you aren’t confined to using the shape tool. Areas that are transparent in the clipping mask layer make those areas transparent in the layer above. If your clipping mask layer contains graduated transparency, then the layer above also has graduated transparency.

To add graduated transparency to your cutout in Photoshop CC or Photoshop Elements:

  • In Photoshop, right-click the shape layer in the Layers palette and select Rasterize Layer.
  • In Photoshop Elements, the command is Simplify Layer.
  • Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.
  • Set the Radius to a high number such as 30 and then select OK. Notice the edges of your picture now fade out.

How to Add Layer Effects to Cutouts

In Photoshop CC, select the shape layer and go to Layer > Layer Style to add effects to the shape layer. For example, you can add a drop shadow, and then add a pattern fill layer below everything for the background.

In Photoshop, right-click the shape layer in the Layers palette and select Rasterize Layer.

In Photoshop Elements, the command is Simplify Layer.

Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.

Set the Radius to a high number such as 30 and then select OK. Notice the edges of your picture now fade out.

In Photoshop Elements, select Layer > Layer Style > Style Settings to open a dialog where you can add a drop shadow and adjust the stroke settings.

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