How to create a mask from a photographic image with a transparent background

Forum|Forum|9 days ago
February 16, 2026
4 replies
56 views

Hi everyone :)

I’ve been trying to find a solution to this problem for a while, but haven’t been able to resolve it.

I need to create a clipping mask of a photographic image (currently a png) that has a transparent background.

For example, I need to create a clipping mask of the cat image, that is detailed enough to capture the hair etc.

So far I have achieved something close to what I need by image tracing the png image and then creating a clipping mask from that.

This shows what I’ve achieve so far, with the clipping mask overlayed on the png image.

Ideally I want to achieve something that has a degree of transparency in the clipping mask. For example, I need to achieve something similar to this below:

Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)

barbara_a7746676

Community Expert

As Monika mentioned, try Photoshop. I believe that Photoshop will give a more accurate mask. In Photoshop, under the Selecct menu > Select and Mask, there is a button to refine hair. You might try that. However, it is near impossible to get a 100% perfect mask.

Jacob Bugge

Community Expert

Nina,

Further, if you wish to have a masking which incorporates “a degree of transparency“, I believe an Opacity Mask (transparency) is the right tool.

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/desktop/manage-colors/apply-transparency-and-blending/transparency-panel-overview.html

Jacob Bugge

Community Expert

Nina,

For a distinct detailed furry appearance I believe you will need a larger size/resolution relative to the hair thickness of the image to be used as a Clipping Mask, somewhat more than the 837 x 714 px shown. What you have achieved seems to be about the limit of the obtainable.

Presumably the other image has a larger size/resolution relative to the desired details.

Monika Gause

Community Expert

You could try and do that in Photoshop by turning a selection into a path.

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