This is a very basic tutorial on how to use clipping masks to insert photos into a template or card.

To start with, open your template.  For this example, I am using a very simple white template.  Openings shown in black.  The black represents the layer(s) in your templates that you need to clip to.  Depending on the designer they may be labeled “Photo Layer,” “Photo” or almost anything else.  What you are looking for to identify these layers is a shape (such as a rectangle) in your layers palette.

Once you find these, you need to bring the photo(s) into the template and place a photo above the layer.  So in this sample, there is a layer 2 and layer 3.  Whichever photo you place above layer 2 will be on the right and directly above layer 3 will be on the left.

To move a photo into your canvas, go WINDOW – ARRANGE – CASCADE so you can see things staggered.  Then use the MOVE tool to move the photo into the template or card.  Once your photo is inside, move it above the layer you need it to clip to, and position so that it is over that shape.

This is what your layers palette will look like with your photo placed above layer 2.

To resize a photo that is way too big, hold CTRL (or CMD) + “T” and this will bring up your transform handles.  Then hold down SHIFT KEY.  And move in one of the 4 corners to shrink.  If you do not hold SHIFT, your photo will distort.  Click the check mark at the top to accept the change.

Next you will be adding the clipping mask so that the photo clips just to the shape layer below. There are numerous ways to do this.  The easiest way is to go in your layers palette menu and select from the drop down “Create Clipping Mask.”  If you prefer short cut keys it is ALT + CTRL + G (OPT + CMD + G).

Once you do this you can move your photo around to taste and it will only be inside that shape below.

Next Step is to insert a photo above each other layer and clip it to the cooresponding layer as well.  Then you are ready to save.

As I said this is a basic clipping mask tutorial as related to templates and cards.  Clipping masks can be used for a variety of other applications as well.  I hope this helps you start understanding them.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 1st, 2008 at 11:49 am and is filed under Photoshop Tips & Tutorials. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.