Both clipping path and image masking are prominent image editing practices. However, people often interchange the techniques. Actually, there are points where the two techniques differ. However, it is very much possible to strategically drive similar goals with the mentioned image editing forms.
Isn’t it always a good idea to understand the difference between the two? This will help you choose the most suitable one when you are on the verge of professional image editing to improve the quality of the images. The good news is that we will try to meet your purpose in this blog.
What Is Clipping Path Image Editing?
Clipping path image editing is one of the advanced forms of image editing. Now, with the help of this particular image editing technique, it is possible to separate objects of the images from their actual background. And that’s why clipping path image editing comes into play by a large margin when it comes to removing the background from the photos.
We often see the use of advanced image editing software like Adobe Photoshop to perform the task. Now, even if the task seems a bit simple, a professional touch is still required if you want to bring the expected results. Especially in the commerce industry, we see the use of the clipping path technique to improve the overall condition of the product images.
What Is Image Masking?
When it comes to image masking, the technique is all about creating a mask over the revealed portion of the images. To make things simpler, it’s like temporarily painting something to hide certain parts of the images.
Now, you might be wondering when image masking comes in very handy. Well, it has become essential to separate complex objects like hair and other similar objects. Moreover, if you are dealing with images with comparatively soft edges, it is better to use image masking.
Clipping Path vs. Masking
Now, it’s time for a head-to-head comparison session. This will help you choose the right image editing techniques based on some specific criteria. Usually, professional image retouchers inspect the condition of the images and then determine the best possible approach to achieving a high-quality image post-processing outcome.
Best Suited For
As we mentioned, you need to choose the technique based on some criteria. Now, we are trying to establish here that you need to go with the proper technique based on the modifications your images demand.
According to experts, it is important to use clipping path image editing services if the edge is comparatively well-defined. This will make your job super easy when separating objects from the background.
On the flip side, image masking will be suitable if the particular images you are working on don’t have well-defined edges. It is always a good option to use this technique when the edges are complex, for example, when working with images that have hair or fur.
Sometimes, you may need to remove the background, and if there is fur, hair, or something similar in the images, it requires careful modifications. Clipping the path will not yield the expected results in this case.
Method
When it comes to clipping path image editing, the pen tool is very common. On the other hand, different layers and techniques like color range masking and channel masking come into play for image masking.
Now if we compare the simplicity of the two image editing practices, it makes sense to take the clipping path image editing a step ahead. Remember what we mentioned? Image masking is applied for the images that have a more complex edge, and you know what we are trying to mention.
Edge Quality
The consideration of edge quality should also come into play when it comes to choosing the image editing techniques from clipping path and image masking. We mentioned the difference in the edges before in this particular blog. But then again, if you want to go with clipping path technique, make sure there are more well-defined edges on the images.
On the flip side, if you want to go with a clipping mask, the images need to have more complex edges. And that’s another prominent reason performing image masking is a bit complex compared to clipping paths.
Time Consumption
There is not a significant difference in consumption of time when it comes to both clipping path and image masking image editing. But as you have already known, the use of image masking comes in dealing with images with complex edges.
It makes all the sense in the world that complex images require more care and thus consume a bit more time compared to the images with well-defined edges.
And that’s the reason why you don’t need to speed that long time going with clipping path image editing for ultimate results. But as the professionals have years of experience, they can perform the task of image editing a lot faster, regardless of the techniques.
If you think you don’t have that expertise to perform the job on your own, you can definitely use the clipping path and image masking services in order to have a better outcome.
Skill Level
Now if you want to perform any of the tasks on your own, it is important to have a pretty clear idea on the skills you require in order to perform the task. Now both the image editing techniques demand enough skills on professional photo editing. First, you should be efficient in Adobe Photoshop. This is the tool professionals use in order to perform the task of clipping path and image masking.
If you run an ecommerce business and you need to edit your product images bulk, going with a professional image masking service is the best thing you can do.
When Should You Use Clipping Path Image Editing?
Do you know what? Clipping path image editing always plays a leading role in ideal product photography. If you run an ecommerce business, you’ll also find the clipping path image editing more than helpful. In terms of graphic design elements, the scenario remains the same.
When Should You Use Image Masking Image Editing?
Unlike clipping path image editing, you can use image masking for portrait photography. Not only that, it is also possible to go with image masking when it comes to fashion photography, and images with intricate details. Apart from these, there is a wide range of user cases at the same time.
Why Hire a Professional Service for Clipping Path and Image Masking?
Do you have all the time in the world? No, you have other things to do with your business. Now in order to save time, going with a professional clipping path and image masking will be a smart move, especially if you run an online business where you sell different products.
Also, you definitely want to showcase high-quality product images from your online store, don’t you?
