Clipping Mask -- A Workflow Workaround
May 21, 2021 16:47:41 GMT
Moto, kdcintx, and 1 more like this
Post by Sepiana on May 21, 2021 16:47:41 GMT
Photoshop users have a simpler workflow when it comes to creating templates with clipping masks -- the clipping mask can be built right into the template.
Once you have created the clipping mask, you right-click on the "Place Your Image Here" layer, select "Replace Contents", and locate/select the image you want to add to your template. Your image will come in as a Smart Object automatically clipped to the shape layer underneath it.
Unfortunately, Elements offers limited support for Smart Objects and the above workflow is not feasible. Fortunately, there is a workaround which will simplify your workflow by eliminating the extra step of having to create a clipping mask every time you use that template.
1. Create a new layer above the shape layer.
2. Clip this new layer to the shape layer underneath (Ctrl/Cmmd-G).
3. Save your template as either .psd or .tiff. (as both formats support layers.)
Now you can forget about creating a clipping mask whenever you use that template. All you have to do is File>Place your image into the blank layer; your image will come in as a Smart Object. Elements knows what to do next; it will automatically clip your image to the shape layer.
If needed, use the Move tool to reposition your image and/or Free Transform (Ctrl/Cmmd-T) to fit it to the clipping mask.
Starting with PSE 15, the shortcut to create a clipping mask has changed.
Clipping Mask Gets a New Shortcut
To enhance this workaround:
- Rename the blank layer "Place Your Image Here".
- Color code this layer. Right-click on the layer and select a color from the drop-down menu. (PSE 15 and above)
Once you have created the clipping mask, you right-click on the "Place Your Image Here" layer, select "Replace Contents", and locate/select the image you want to add to your template. Your image will come in as a Smart Object automatically clipped to the shape layer underneath it.
Unfortunately, Elements offers limited support for Smart Objects and the above workflow is not feasible. Fortunately, there is a workaround which will simplify your workflow by eliminating the extra step of having to create a clipping mask every time you use that template.
1. Create a new layer above the shape layer.
2. Clip this new layer to the shape layer underneath (Ctrl/Cmmd-G).
3. Save your template as either .psd or .tiff. (as both formats support layers.)
Now you can forget about creating a clipping mask whenever you use that template. All you have to do is File>Place your image into the blank layer; your image will come in as a Smart Object. Elements knows what to do next; it will automatically clip your image to the shape layer.
If needed, use the Move tool to reposition your image and/or Free Transform (Ctrl/Cmmd-T) to fit it to the clipping mask.
NOTE
Starting with PSE 15, the shortcut to create a clipping mask has changed.
Clipping Mask Gets a New Shortcut
To enhance this workaround:
- Rename the blank layer "Place Your Image Here".
- Color code this layer. Right-click on the layer and select a color from the drop-down menu. (PSE 15 and above)