Using clipping masks in Photoshop
Article ID: KB101741
Clipping masks allow you to use the pixels of one layer to define where a second layer "shows up." For example, if the lower layer is shaped like a circle, the second layer will only show within that circle. If a lower layer is 50% opaque, the second layer will also be 50% opaque -- but only show the contents of the second layer, not the lower layer as well.
To create a clipping mask:
- Make sure the new layer is immediately above the base or "clipping" layer.
- Hold the Alt key and mouse in between the two layers.
- When the cursor changes, click. The top layer will be clipped to the bottom layer.
You can move the top layer as necessary. You can also clip multiple layers to the same shape by Alt-clicking between each subsequent layer.
Watch the video by clicking the Launch Movie button.
Authors and Contributors:
Corrie Haffly
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