And how they apply to a Clipping Path and a Clipping Mask
Isolating objects in photos using the “extract” or “erase ” tools, is often referred to as Masking. While there ARE plugins available in Photoshop to make Masking easier, isolating images this way remains very tedious and time intensive. Mister Clipping mainly isolates images from their backgrounds using a Clipping Path. If necessary or advisable, Mister Clipping can and will also create an Alpha Channel and/or Masks.
There are two fundamental differences between isolating images using a Clipping Path and the so-called “Image Masking” mentioned above. Firstly, Masking removes pixels whereas a Clipping Path is vector based. Secondly, isolating images using Masking allows transparency in the object. This feature is especially useful when isolating images that include, for example, hair or glass.
Masking (Clipping Mask)
Masking is a technique recommended for images in which it is difficult to determine what is part of the subject of the photo and what is part of the background. This could be, for example, glasses or hair. Masking an object entails the background being removed based on the actual pixels present, some of which are made transparent. This way, glass remains “glass”, even if you place it on a different background.
If you would like Mister Clipping to isolate your images using Masking, state it in the “Additional processing” field while uploading your job. Please note that when Masking images, they can only be returned in certain image formats, such as .EPS, .TIFF, .PNG and .PSD.
Alpha channel
Another way to isolate images is by using an Alpha Channel. Like Masking, this method is pixel rather than vector based, but the technique used is different. Every color image contains three or four color combinations: Red, Green and Blue or Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (RGB and CMYK respectively).
When isolating an object in an image using an Alpha channel, we create an additional channel that takes on the shape of the isolated object rather than the color. The Alpha channel is often used to isolate images with a lot of detail and are made by using the color combination with the most contrast. Like a Clipping Path, an Alpha Channel can be selected in Indesign, Quark or Photoshop.
Can Mister Clipping create an Alpha Channel and a Clipping Mask?
Mister Clipping mainly isolates images from their backgrounds using a Clipping Path. If necessary or advisable, Mister Clipping can create an Alpha Channel and/or a Clipping Mask. In the “Processing” field of a new job you can determine which technique you would like Mister Clipping to use. If necessary, this can even be done on an image to image basis within jobs.
Unlike Clipping, Masking requires the image to be placed on a transparent background. This can only be accomplished if images are uploaded in one of the following formats: .TIFF, .PNG or .PSD.
For the creation of an Alpha Channel, Mister Clipping will isolate your images using selections and contrasts in color channels. This requires uploading images in .TIFF or .PSD format.
