How to Make Paths in Photoshop
Expert Clipping
How to Make Paths in Photoshop: A Friendly Guide for Beginners and Pros
A few years back, I was working on a jewelry photo for an e-commerce client. The background was messy, the edges were uneven, and the product didn’t stand out the way it should. I knew I needed a clean cutout. That’s when I realized it was time to master how to make paths in Photoshop. It changed everything for me my edits got cleaner, my workflow faster, and my clients happier.
If you're an Amazon or Etsy seller, a real estate photographer, or a fashion brand designer, chances are you’ve faced the same frustration. That’s why I’m here—to walk you through this like a friend, sharing all the steps, tricks, and tips I’ve picked up over the years.
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Path in Photoshop?
A path in Photoshop is a precise outline you draw around an object using the Pen Tool. It helps you select, cut out, or mask parts of your image with razor-sharp accuracy—way better than the lasso or magic wand.
Whether you're clipping out products for your Shopify store or creating sleek banners for your Instagram, paths are a must-have skill.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Paths in Photoshop
Here’s a super clear, step-by-step process for beginners and experts alike:
1. Open Your Image
Launch Photoshop and load the image you want to work on. Preferably use a high-resolution file for best results.
✅ Tip: Zoom in (Ctrl/Cmd +) to see fine details—it helps you trace edges more accurately.
2. Select the Pen Tool
Press P or select the Pen Tool from the toolbar.
There are several Pen Tool modes, but start with the default Path mode, not “Shape.” It lets you draw a vector path without filling it.
✅ Short answer: Use the regular Pen Tool in “Path” mode to trace objects precisely.
3. Start Creating Anchor Points
Click once to drop your first anchor point. Click again to drop a second—Photoshop will connect them with a straight line.
To curve around corners or curves:
- Click and drag to pull out direction handles.
- Use small anchor point gaps around tight curves for better precision.
✅ Pro tip: For curved edges, click and drag when placing anchor points to create smooth arcs.
4. Close the Path
Keep clicking around the object’s edges until you loop back to the starting point. Click it to close the path.
Now you've got a full path! 🎉
✅ A closed path means the object is completely outlined and ready to be used as a selection.
5. Save the Path
Go to the Paths panel (Window > Paths). You’ll see a new path called “Work Path.” Double-click it and give it a name so Photoshop saves it.
✅ Always save your path to avoid losing it when switching tools or images.
6. Make a Selection
Right-click inside the path and choose Make Selection. Feather Radius = 0 for sharp edges.
✅ Making a selection from your path lets you cut out or mask the object cleanly.
Practical Tips to Get the Perfect Handmade Path
Over the years, I’ve tried everything—from quick masks to automatic tools—but nothing beats a handcrafted path. Here’s what helps me every time:
✨ Use Fewer Points
Less is more. The fewer anchor points you use, the smoother the path. Place them only where the shape changes direction.
✨ Zoom and Pan Constantly
Zoom in for details, zoom out for accuracy. Use Spacebar + click to pan while working.
✨ Tweak with the Convert Point Tool
If a curve feels off, press Alt/Option and click on an anchor point to adjust the handles.
✨ Feather When Needed
Sometimes, a slight feather (0.5px to 1px) makes the edges blend better, especially for hair or fabrics.
✅ Short answer: Clean paths need fewer points, steady hands, and constant zooming for best control.
What About Complex Images?
Let’s say you're dealing with hair, fur, or soft fabrics. Paths may not be enough. In that case, use image masking or Select and Mask tools instead.
But for product photos, buildings, furniture, and even people with clean edges, paths are still king.
When to Use Each: Based on This YouTube Video Tutorial
If you haven’t seen it, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kE6Pn2ADiY
It walks through the use of paths in Photoshop beautifully. Here’s what I took away from it:
- Use paths when precision is critical—like for logos, product cutouts, and architectural shots.
- Use quick selection or masking when working with complex textures like hair or translucent fabrics.
- Combine both methods for hybrid edits: use paths for hard edges and masks for soft areas.
✅ Short answer: Use paths for clean, sharp edges and masks for soft, textured areas. Combine them for pro results.
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Real-World Uses from My Clients
As someone writing for expertclipping.com, I’ve seen how important clean paths are for businesses. Here are just a few examples:
- Etsy sellers: Use paths to cleanly cut out product images for consistent shop banners.
- Real estate pros: Remove cluttered backgrounds and place properties on solid skies.
- Fashion brands: Isolate models from complex sets to reuse outfits across campaigns.
- Print-on-demand stores: Use paths to separate designs from T-shirt mockups for better visual merchandising.
✅ Short answer: Clean paths elevate branding, boost conversion rates, and make every image look premium.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Paths Is a Game-Changer
Learning how to make paths in Photoshop isn’t just a technical skill—it’s a power move. Once you’ve got it down, your edits look more professional, your workflow speeds up, and your brand visuals shine.
It took me some trial and error to get it right, but with a bit of patience (and the Pen Tool), you’ll get there. If you're serious about your visual branding—whether you’re a small biz owner or a full-blown design agency—paths are worth mastering.
And hey, if it ever gets too tricky, the team at expertclipping.com is just a click away. We've done thousands of clean paths for clients across e-commerce, fashion, real estate, and beyond.
Quick Recap: How to Make Paths in Photoshop
Step
What to Do
1
Open your image
2
Select the Pen Tool in Path mode
3
Create anchor points along the object
4
Close the path loop
5
Save the path in the Paths panel
6Right-click > Make Selection
If this helped you, pass it on. And next time you’re editing a product shot or planning a campaign, remember: paths make perfect. 💻✨
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