How to create a clipping mask using a png file...
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
Hello,
I have a transparent image (a .png file) with an outline of a demon. The demon is just a line drawing. It is transparent inside and outside the lines. How do I select the demon lines and transparent inside part of the image. I want to be able to paint anywhere inside the demon but not paint the lines and not paint outside the demon.
Can you please go over the steps to isolate this demon of mine.
Regards,
Rich
Explore related tutorials & articles
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
Hi Rich,
Thanks for reaching out to us, as you want to paint inside the png, you can simply create a layer beaneath the png layer and start painting on it with the Brush Tool.
Regards,
Sahil
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
Create a new layer above your demon. Hold down option (alt on win) and have between the 2 layers (where I drew red circle). When the cursor changes, click to clip the top layer to the one underneath.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/using/clipping-masks.html
 
'
Copy link to clipboard
Copied
Here are the steps which I did to select only inside dragon. There are and other ways, this is quick and working way:
- Create layer beneath layer with dragon and fill it with white
- Select layer with dragon then press Ctrl + Shift + Alt + E what will create merged layer on top.
- Use Magic Wand tool to select areas which you want to paint in. Hold down Shift while adding to selection.
- Trash top most merged layer and bottom most filled with white. Paint on new layer or on layer with dragon while selection is active what will restrict painting. You can also save selection just in case using Select > Save Selection.

