How to create a clipping mask in Photoshop

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

A clipping mask is a link between one layer and another. The edges of one layer are used, along with the contents of the other layer. So you are essentially creating a template from one layer, which you use to cut an image in another layer into a particular shape.

In this article, you'll practise using a clipping mask by placing an image inside text.

Create a new document with Command-N (PC: Ctrl-N) and select the Horizontal Type Tool (T) in the toolbar. Click in your document and create some text. A thick, bold font works best for this.

Next, open the photo you want to display in this text and place it in the same document. You can copy and paste it, or drag and drop it using the Move Tool, as long as you place it in the same document.

Now, in the Layers panel, make sure that the text layer is directly below the image layer. All you have to do is press Command-Option-G (PC: Ctrl-Alt-G). A clipping mask is then created, placing the image inside your text.

Once this has been done, you can use the Move Tool to click and drag the image around inside the text. To remove the image from the text, use the same shortcut.

Another useful thing is that once your image has been placed inside the text, you can still change the font or font size. Click the text layer in the Layers panel, select the text and make the changes you want.

Want to learn more about editing images in Photoshop?

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