Skip to main content
chloei21687798
chloei21687798
Participant
September 24, 2018
Answered

Why aren't clipping masks not working when pasting clipped image into a photoshop file

  • September 24, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 5833 views

Hello,

Wondering if all you lovely people may help. I have created a PSD file and have edited separate images with clipping masks to be pasted on the PSD file.

I have saved these separate images as TIFF's and an EPS file but either does not help the issue. As soon as I paste the image onto the PSD file it will paste the image as if it has not been clipped (as shown below). I can only get around this if I delete the background from the image and then save the TIFF with a transparent background and then paste it onto the PSD file. But I am wondering if there is a way where you can clip the image with path tool and paste it into PSD as a clipped image without having to delete the background?

Below Is the image and the clipping path I have made. When pasting on InDesign or Illustrator these images are clipped fine. it's only when pasting into photoshop where the clipping mask is not honored. Please help!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer melissapiccone

I would alter your workflow - you may have a reason for doing it the way you are but if it was me, I would use all psds and smart objects. Make your clipping mask, turn it into a layer mask and save as psd. Then place your psd files in your main file.

3 replies

melissapiccone
Community Expert
melissapicconeCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
September 24, 2018

I would alter your workflow - you may have a reason for doing it the way you are but if it was me, I would use all psds and smart objects. Make your clipping mask, turn it into a layer mask and save as psd. Then place your psd files in your main file.

Melissa Piccone | Adobe Trainer | Online Courses Author | Fine Artist
Bojan Živković11378569
Community Expert
Bojan Živković11378569Community Expert
Community Expert
September 24, 2018

In your second screenshot, I do not see clipping mask, you just have a path around subject. In order to see only subject you must create either vector mask or shape layer using that path then to clip image to shape. The third solution is to create selection from path and to use layer mask.

Let me give you more light on the subject: Photoshop does not understand that you want to use clipping path for clipping mask, you must create clipping or vector mask before saving the file to place it. Another possible (more complex) solution is to save a clipping path in the Paths panel then to use it after placing the image by editing.  Smart Object content.

chloei21687798
chloei21687798Author
Participant
September 24, 2018

Bojan and Mel, Thank you both so much I was applying a quick clipping path another way, you can draw a path then right click and click 'make clipping path' to make it clip. This always works when I am making documents on in design and placing clipped photos. However I realized in order to make it work with PSD files I need to apply it as a vector mask. Thank you all so much! You have saved my headache you too JJmack you're input was much appreciated!

    JJMack
    Community Expert
    JJMackCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2018

    I do not understand  if the image was clipped and you copied the clipped image to the Clipboard how paste in Photoshop could materialize  the pixels that were clipped off.  It seem to be the the whole unclipped image must have been copied to the clipboard.  How did you copy the clipped image to the clipboard.

    JJMack
    chloei21687798
    chloei21687798Author
    Participant
    September 24, 2018

    Helloo!,

    I just placed the TIFF (that is saved with a clipping path) as an embedded file onto the PSD file. I don't understand it either, as it is exactly how you explained its behaving like it is a whole unclipped image. I tried contacting adobe support but they have no idea either. so i thought i would try my luck on here have you had this happen to you or?

    JJMack
    Community Expert
    JJMackCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2018

    Place is not Paste but If the Tiff has a clipping mask  transparent borders will be trimmed in the smart object layer.  The same will happen With Copy / Paste If you select the whole canvas but the layer being copied to the clipboard  is smaller than the document canvas the copy would just copy the layer visible pixels there are no pixels in transparent boarders.  So Paste would just past in the layers  pixels a place would just render the clipped image pixels. There will no transparent boarders in the smart object layer or a pasted in image. If save Tiff composite is canvas size some other layer may be filling what was clipped off in a layer.  Place would render the tiff full composit image not just a clipped layer unless that was the only visible layer And only the layer visible pixels would be rendered.

    JJMack
    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices