How to create a Clipping Mask in PS

[Dizfunky]

Well, people have been asking how to make clipping masks, so I'm going to make a tutorial on it. This is for Photoshop only; I do not know how to create one in GIMP.
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First, you want to open up a signature or new image.

Place a shape, or splatter somewhere on the canvas. In this case I used a splatter. If you are doing this on a sig, then you would first create a new layer and then make the shape you want to use. At first my splatter didn't look very solid. Sometimes you want it to be washed out or something, so you may leave it like this. What I did was I copied the layer (Ctrl+J) and then merged them back together.
Before

After

After you have chosen what you want to use, make a new layer. If you are doing this in a new canvas, go to File > Place... and choose an image.

Once you have done that, select the picture layer and press Ctrl+Alt+G. An arrow pointing down to the layer below this one will come up next to the layer you are on (look at the side bar). If this is on a sig, go back to the new layer step and when you create a new layer, apply the image on it. This then takes all the layers and puts them into one layer. After that just press Ctrl+Alt+G and you have your clipping mask.

Once you are done with that you can move around the top layer and mess with it until you get it in a place you like. Be careful not to move the image too far, or the on the splatter where the image isn't turn the original splatter color.

I hope this guide helped you! If you liked I'd appreciate rep. :D

If this does help a lot of people, it'd be great if a mod could sticky for easy access...

by Dizfunky

[!nikheizen]

Uh, to do one in GiMP you can either select your shape's layer, in this case the splatter. Layer>Transparency>Alpha to Selection, you can paint in a new layer, etc. or you can just set the top layer to screen, and merge it.
Like your tut, tho, Im thinking of switching to photoshop.

[Dizfunky]

Dude, 38 views and 1 post. Come on guys, if you're gonna use it at least let me know if it helped you or you liked it.

[LOL zombie]

I just Clone stamp it. So much easier.

[Dizfunky]

No, I don't think so. I'm used to used a clipping mask, so I use clipping masks. Maybe you just prefer the one your used to, the easier one for you to do.

[Zerosun]

Originally Posted by albyhouse

I just Clone stamp it. So much easier.

im gonna say clipping masks are easier. And if you dont like where it is positioned, it can easily be moved. If you clone stamp, you have to ctrl+z and redo it all.

[RaVNzCRoFT]

I don't typically like working with clipping masks. I just select the "spatter" layer, select inverse, and clear away the selection on the "pattern" layer. It's simple enough to redo or change.

[Dizfunky]

Still, ravn, that would be harder because once again, with a clipping mask you can just move it around wherever. You don't have to redo it or anything.

[Kn1ghtBoy]

Wow great tutorial!!! I had to kind of convert it to GIMP though but it still was cool! Thanks a ton!