What is Clipping Mask, Layer comps, gradient?

Hi! I am using Adobe Photoshop cs5 for windows. Can anyone tell me
1. what is clipping mask? I tried to find clipping meaning in google but cannot understand. Also what is benefit of creating a clipping mask? how can I create it? .
2. What are layer comps? I heard of them in a tutorial video but unable to find them in the photoshop cs5.
3. What gradient mean? As I found from google its ascent or decent of railway or highway.
If anyone can explain all brief then it would be great

These links should explain the basics:
Clipping mask:
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/photoshop/cs/using/WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-7853a.h tml
Layer comps:
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/photoshop/cs/using/WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-7870a.h tml
Gradients:
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/photoshop/cs/using/WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-77e1a.h tml
MTSTUNER

Similar Messages

How to use a clipping mask layer to a multiple base layers?

Is it possible to use one layer as a clipping mask to a 5 different bottom layers.
What I'm trying to do is apply an adjustment layer to certain layers only. Is that possible?
-Zeropan

Zpan wrote:
Is it possible to use one layer as a clipping mask to a 5 different bottom layers.
not that I would know, but what you can do instead is group those 5 layers (CTRL+G), add the adjustment layer as the topmost layer in the group and set the group's blending mode to "normal". The adustment layer is then only applied to the layers within the same group.

Drag clipping mask layer to new layer problem

Ran into something I think is a bug.
I have an object with a clipping path on Layer 1. I have a simple stroked path on Layer 2. I marquee select both items.
As usual, I can only drag one "Selected Art Indicator" layer color dot at time in the Layers palette. I drag Layer 2 color dot to Layer 3. Now if I immediately drag Layer 1 color dot to Layer 3, the object being clipped suddenly escapes its boundaries.
I have to click on Layer 1 in the Layers palette to highlight the layer. Now I can drag Layer 1 to Layer 3 and the object and clipping path move perfectly.
Is this correct behavior?

Please show some screenshots including the layer panel. Most probably you have a layer based clipping mask. They come in to flavors: object based (via the menu) and layer based (via the layer panel)

PSE 5--what is a clipping mask and how does it work?

Can anyone explain what a clipping mask is, how it works, and most importantly if Photoshop Elements 5.0 has this capability?
Also, are there any tutorials out there that I can teach myself on this topic? I am trying to mimic a layout explained in digital scrapbooking magazine and this technique is used.
Thank you!
Heather

Heather,
You can find one explanation at Janee's tutorials: http://www.myjanee.com/tuts/elements/elemask.htm
Since PSE does not support layer masks per se, the clipping group simulates a layer mask and hence Janee's name for it, "elemask" (cute, huh?)
Here are 2 examples:
In this example I wanted to blur the background leaving the flower in focus:
http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1euavV1sDqzrEqqqierfc5dSEH9yI01
1. Duplicate the Background layer and apply a Gaussian blur to the new layer.
2. Add an adjustment layer below the blur layer (any kind of adjustment layer will do), but do not make any adjustment - just click OK.\
3. Group the blur layer with the adjustment layer. On the adjustment layer paint the subject with black
to mask out the blur, paint with white to restore the blur.
Of course you can use other tools on the adjustment layer besides the paint brush, e.g., make a selection and fill with the black or white. In some cases it might be easier to first fill the adjustment layer with black and then paint with white.
In this example (not actually a mask but still demonstrates a clipping group) I wanted to crop the picture into a leaf shape.
http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1ys9Z7FspSwF8HHKGLrxjGVhbTodmF0
1. Use the leaf from the Custom Shape tool to draw out the leaf, creating a new layer.
2. Move the leaf layer below the picture layer.
3. Group the two layers.
Note that in order to move a layer below the Background layer you have to rename the Background layer to anything else (layer 0 in my example).

P.S.Elements. How do i use the clipping mask for painting? I can't quite apply it for anything.

I'm wondering if the clipping mask can be used for painting on layers. I can't get it to do anything. I'm rendering race car paint schemes. Elements doesn't have paths. I have Gimp but I want to stick with photoshop. Something about Gimp I just didn't feel it

Could you give an example of what you are trying to do ?
The concept of clipping mask is not intuitive at all. Besides 'normal' layer masks associated with their layer, the clipping mask is a 'normal' layer having transparency. It has a what was called a 'linked layer' in older version. The 'clipping mask' layer determines transparency of the linked layer (which is shown offset to the right in the layers panel) to show that the effect of the clipping mask is limited to the above linked layer(s). Instead of having one layer with a mask, you have a mask targetting the 'above' layer.
The difference is that the normal mask uses greyscale values to represent transparency while the clipping mask has real transparency.
So, the purpose being masking, I don't see how you could use it to paint ?

Layer Comps to PDF -- Gone? Bridge not working correctly.

I never needed this feature, but decided that it would be handy for a project that I am doing. I have a set of powerpoint slides that are all layer comps (6 slides). I went Export Comps to JPG to get the slides to build my powerpoint, but I also wanted to do a PDF version of the powerpoint. When I export from powerpoint to PDF, the resolutions gets hammered and it looks bad.
I have CS5 and have never used the Layer Comps to PDF that was in previous versions, but found tutorials and that is exactly what I need. It is gone.
The Bridge output to PDF fails because no matter what I do, it adds a margin. I don't want a margin at all. I set all the margins and spacings to zero and no luck.
Here is a screen capture of bridge.
See that black margin? Where is it coming from? I don't want it! It isn't for display purposes only, it outputs that black border.
I know the most sure way to do this is use Export Comps to JPG, then place them in InDesign, then output to PDF from there. That is way too many steps for something that used to be right there.
Kirk

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kirkdickinson wrote:
When I export from powerpoint to PDF, the resolutions gets hammered and it looks bad.
It's been a couple of years since I used Acrobat to make PDFs from Office products, but I'm sure there was a settings panel somewhere that had to be set up to get your desired resolutions and quality levels for the PDF file. I don't think it has to "look bad" by definition. I was using Word myself, not PowerPoint, though. I did end up being able to create a full-bleed (image to the edges) PDF.
From within Photoshop CS5 you can do File - Save As, PDF. Not sure what part(s) of "Layer Comps to PDF" you needed.
-Noel

Plea from technical artist: CS5 clipping mask content selection as a preference...

I just have to weigh in on this.
I've been trying to adjust to CS5, from CS3, since November. It's now March.
My job involves taking apart and editing complex art created by other people... who have all different ways of working. The inability to see what a clipping mask contains when I click on it, AND the inability to edit the contents unless I first locate the perimeter of the mask and/or switch tools, has me working "blind". It's become a real battle to figure out how the previous artist set things up.
I've found workaround methods, but they're just that. I seem to be doing a lot more clicking, double clicking and tool switching, all of which are that much harder on hands that do this for 10 hours a day.
I need to be able to click on an element and know if it is part of a mask, what other additional elements that mask contains, whether the perimeter of the mask is aligned correctly, etc.
PLEASE make it a preference setting to handle masks and mask content selection the old way. When I'm building new art, I'll be happy to work the CS5 way. When I'm trying to figure out what someone else has done... please don't make me work harder than I already do...
Thanks.

Larry (et al),
[Please be assured...I've invested HOURS trying to get this clipping mask to work before requesting help on this forum.]
The exact same image as per my prior post appears when the file is saved:
Illustrator --> Save As --> PDF
Illustrator --> Export --> JPEG (with and without Artboards)
Illustrator --> Export --> PNG(with and without Artboards)EXCEPT: One PNG trial with "Transparency" selected (turned ON) did not have a white background but did have the unwanted 90-degree corners.
Illustrator --> Save for Web --> PNG
Illustrator --> Save for Web --> JPEG
And a few other trials whose details I omitted to record.
After ~dozen trials...with many permutations & combinations of Adobe Illustrator's parameters...all I can generate is the image in my prior post--with the unwanted 90-degree corners.
Let me fully acknowledge, no doubt I'm doing something wrong...yet I just can't figure out what.
@Larry: Would you please clarify the reference to the Avery labels? Regrets, I looked at the site you provided...yet don't understand how it relates to clipping masks.
Here's hoping someone can throw a life-line.
Many thanks to everyone,
Plane Wryter

Moving text after making a clipping mask?

After making a clipping mask with text I am able to move the image around that shows through the text, though how do you move the text around?
Thanks.

Each time I try to use the Move tool to move the Text Layer it ends up moving the Clipping Mask Layer instead.
Thanks.

Clipping Mask Effects in Fireworks CS4?

Hello everyone,
I was initially trained on Adobe Illustrator, and over time
have gotten very pretty comfortable with it. Not too long ago I
started making mock ups in Illustrator, and would use the crop tool
to export particular pieces (buttons and banners) of my mock up
into Dreamweaver tables.
But I recently got CS4, and now I'm all screwed up!
Unlike CS3, CS4 Illustrator does not appear to have the crop
area function. I can no longer export select pieces of my artwork.
I recently found out that this 'crop area' feature exists in
Fireworks CS4, so lately I've been trying to learn fireworks.
The problem I have with fireworks though, is that there
doesn't seem to be a clipping mask feature. I did stumble upon
something called 'group as mask' under the modify menu. But I don't
understand it's function, as it works nothing at all like
Illustrators clipping mask.
Clipping mask is such a useful design feature, and I can't
bear the thought of doing without it.
I'm relatively new to graphic and web design, so here's to
hoping some experienced users can help me out with this!
Cheers,
Cory
PS: Please don't tell me the solution to all this is
photoshop! So tired of switching applications :)

CoryPatrick wrote:
> Hello everyone,
>
> I was initially trained on Adobe Illustrator, and over
time have gotten very
> pretty comfortable with it. Not too long ago I started
making mock ups in
> Illustrator, and would use the crop tool to export
particular pieces (buttons
> and banners) of my mock up into Dreamweaver tables.
>
> But I recently got CS4, and now I'm all screwed up!
>
> Unlike CS3, CS4 Illustrator does not appear to have the
crop area function. I
> can no longer export select pieces of my artwork.
>
> I recently found out that this 'crop area' feature
exists in Fireworks CS4, so
> lately I've been trying to learn fireworks.
>
> The problem I have with fireworks though, is that there
doesn't seem to be a
> clipping mask feature. I did stumble upon something
called 'group as mask'
> under the modify menu. But I don't understand it's
function, as it works
> nothing at all like Illustrators clipping mask.
>
> Clipping mask is such a useful design feature, and I can
bear the thought of
> doing without it.
>
> I'm relatively new to graphic and web design, so here's
to hoping some
> experienced users can help me out with this!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Cory
>
> PS: Please don't tell me the solution to all this is
photoshop! So tired of
> switching applications :)
>
I doubt you'll find many - if any - telling you the answer is
Photoshop
in this forum. ;-)
The term clipping mask isn't really part of the FW
vocabulary, but FW
works very well with vectors and that is pretty much what a
clipping
mask is - a path used to mask part of an image.
FW can mask objects using vectors or bitmaps. Here's some
instructions
to create a simple vector mask.
Open an image in FW.
Select the Rectangle tool from the Vector tool area of the
Tools panel.
Draw a rectangle.
position it where you want the mask to be.
Cut the rectangle (Ctrl+X or Command+X for Mac)
Select the image using the Pointer tool.
Go to Edit > Paste as Mask.
Your image is now masked by a vector. Both objects remain
editable.
There is much more you can do; this is just a simple example.
Jim Babbage - .:Community MX:. & .:Adobe Community
Expert:.
http://www.communityMX.com/
CommunityMX - Free Resources:
http://www.communitymx.com/free.cfm
.:Adobe Community Expert for Fireworks:.
Adobe Community Expert
http://tinyurl.com/2a7dyp
.:Author:.
Lynda.com -
http://movielibrary.lynda.com/authors/author/?aid=188
Peachpit Press -
http://www.peachpit.com/authors/bio.aspx?a=d98ed798-5ef0-45a8-a70d-4b35fa14c9a4
Layers Magazine -
http://www.layersmagazine.com/author/jim-babbage

Clipping mask vs. selection?

I want to restrict my painting to only part of an image.
1. How is doing this with a clipping mask different from just making a selection and painting within a selection?
2. How can I make a clipping mask to do this?
Thanks.

Actually with anti-aliased or softened edges of a Selection multiple brush-strokes can produce a different result than if the Layer is clipping masked (or has a Layer Mask).
Good point! The effect would be the same as painting once each on multiple, stacked clipping masks? I think it would. My point was that selection = clipping mask = layer mask (something which interests me greatly). I wonder if there are any other ways in which they're not the same.

Multiple Layers Export in Clipping Mask (Without using Layer comp to files script)

Man, Actually I am designer and create mobile case design. I have done mobile cover design preview in psd. so many layers created. Top layer-group Camera & button. Second Layer-group different mobile cover designs in clipping mask.. I want to export the preview (without using Layer comp to files). Means Single design to export without hiding the layers.... 30 design preview in single click....

Mine don't even work.

Does a Clipping Mask effect just one layer?

Hello everyone ... Level: Newbie OS: Win7 64bit Ia: Cs6
Once I use a Clipping Mask on a layer is the entire document covered in a mask?
And/or is all the artwork from then on inside the mask?
I've read about how to add and how to remove art from a mask. I've read about how to make and release and lots of other things.
So, then I went and found a lesson that contained the use of a Clipping Mask.
But I'm stuck... again.
I am suppose to Select the main shape and "just" copy it and move it down (doesn't say rather to Paste in front or back but I assumed in back ~ not that it has mattered thus far)
However, while making the main shape I used Gradient Mesh and used an Offset to create a "replica" and so when I go to Select the main shape the mesh is selected and so when I Paste (in back ~ seems most logical) and then move it down the details such as the colors of the Gradient and other such things are visible in front ~ ??
So, I have been trying to abate my problem in lots of different ways.
I have tried using the Pen tool to draw behind the main shape, I've tried making a New Layer and placing it above and below and inbetween the main shape layer, I've tried adding the artwork to the Mask ... I've tried everything I can think of and I've been through many an article in the manual and FAQ's to no avail.
I suppose, what I think I need to know ... is, how ... how on earth do I draw behind this main shape? Am I not able to do it becuase I am not getting behind the Mask?
(Let me apologise to those that HATE it when Newbies follow lessons/tuts and who HATE it when we come here to ask for help. I'm doing my best to learn and to find answers on my own before heading here for help)
Please lmk if you would be better able to help me with pictures of my layers and the art. Thanx so much for your time!!

Thanks as well for your patience with me! It can be difficult to communicate this way, but all we can do is try our best.
As for the issue regarding the author's "main shape"...
Here I have an object with a gradient mesh:
If you follow the directions in step 3 of the tutorial, the author creates a duplicate by going to Object > Path > Offset Path.
And then inputs "0" for the offset value.
I shifted my original gradient-meshed object down a little bit, and there you can see is the simple shape that you were seeing in the author's image. Then they just filled it with that gold gradient and scaled it down.
And as for clipping masks...
As I mentioned before, a clipping mask will only affect the objects and groups you had selected when you created it. For exhaustive information about clipping masks, see this link: http://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/clipping-masks.html
I hope this was helpful! Good luck!

Masked pre comp of clip not showing clip motion within the mask please help

Hi there,
I'm trying to create a phenakistoscope Phenakistoscope - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia out of a motion picture of a dancer.
I've transformed the clip of the dancer and precomposed it and then masked and animated the rotation of the pre comp in a new composition. I then duplicated the now animated pre comp 20 times offsetting each one, a frame later than the last to create the wheel effect with trailing frames.
The animation of the mask and offset is working fine, however the footage in the clip is not playing in the masked composition.
please help, here is the project file. Dropbox - caropheankistope.aep
RAW FOOTAGE SAMPLE Dropbox - carolina base_raw sample.mov
NON WORKING COMP SAMPLE OUTPUT Dropbox - carolina base_sample.mov
Thanks
adam

I'm replying to your question on my phone so I can't look at your project but I did look at your video.
Here is what I would do to troubleshoot the project. First run a RAM preview of the pre-composed and masked wedge comp. If that plays back correctly then everything else should work unless you have applied some kind of time effect to the duplicated layers. If that doesn't work then show us a screenshot of that pre-comp with all of the properties of the movie layer revealed (Press that u key twice).
If you have not sorted this out by the time I get back the office I will try and take a look at your project.

[AI CS4 Mac] How to Create a Layer Clipping Mask?

Hi Folks,
How does one go about creating a layer clipping mask using the SDK?
What I want to do is to simulate clicking on the "Make/Release Clipping Mask" button (the left-most picture button) that is at the bottom of the Layers Panel.
Thanks!
-- Jim

Clipping masks work, but they can be a little clunky (as you might tell from their weird way of being set up). You might find opacity masks more flexible. An opacity mask is basically a group attached to a layer, in which you store paths that represent holes in the mask. These holes have an opacity value for how much shows through. So anything in the mask group is a hole (there can be many) and anything in the layer (as normal) shows through those holes. Setting it up is simpler but it depends on the kind of clipping you're trying to do which is easier. We find it easier when doing knockouts for labels on lines, but clipping paths are also possible, just a little more annoying.

Alter a gradient in a clipping mask...

I am working in Illustrator CS4 (or trying :)) and I need to alter a gradient color that was created with a clipping mask from process to spot color. I have tried doing it with some googled tutorials and nothing has worked for me...can someone please help me! It is probably really simple, but it has my 57 year old brain baffled. I tried to attach the EPS or PDF file, but it won't let me. Thank You!

If I understand your question correctly, try Control/right click & choose "Isolate Clipping Mask." I just tried this and was able to edit the gradient of the masked object.

What is Clipping Mask, Layer comps, gradient?

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