Most people know how to apply a clipping path in photo editing software. But how do you remove a clipping path in Illustrator?
You have to start by selecting the clipping path. Then go to the object menu and release it. Finally, edit or remove the path! Keep reading to find out in detail!
What is a Clipping Path?
We use a clipping path to separate a particular object from a photo. You can cut it out and remove the background. What do you need to use the clipping path? A good photo editing software and the right tools like a pen tool, magic wand, etc.
What Tools Do You Need for Clipping Path?
With the right tool, the task of clipping paths will become easier. Here are a few mostly used clipping path tools:
- Pen Tool
This is the first choice people have when it comes to clipping paths in Photoshop. Clipping paths rely on the Pen Tool for its precision.
Unlike automatic selections, the Pen Tool lets you meticulously trace any object’s outline, following curves and intricate details.
This precise control is especially important for complex shapes or objects with holes, which makes it the go-to tool for clean and professional cutouts.
- Freeform Pen Tool
The freeform pen tool is similar to the pen tool, but it is quicker. With this tool, you can select simply by dragging and clicking on the mouse.
The freeform pen tool is ideal for selecting irregular shapes and curves; therefore, artists and designers are fond of this tool.
Furthermore, the selection can be edited using the pen tool to achieve perfection, making clipping masks work easily.
- Magic Wand Tool
This tool makes selections based on the object’s tone and colors. If the object you want to cut is of one color, less intricate, or has a large area, you can use this tool to quickly select.
However, the magic wand tool is not as popular as the Pen Tool.
- Anchor Point Tool
When you’re drawing a path around an object, it may not capture all the curves and details. That’s where the Anchor Point tool can help!
In Photoshop, this tool lets you add extra points to your path, like adding more detail to a sketch.
- Lasso Tool
The Lasso tool is like a freehand and flexible tool. You can use it to draw a loose outline around any object. This works perfectly for irregularly shaped things that don’t have clean edges.
- Magnetic Lasso Tool
The Magnetic Lasso tool is an upgrade of the regular Lasso tool. It can stick to the edges of your object as you draw.
This makes it much easier to create precise selections, especially for objects with clear boundaries.
Steps to Remove a Clipping Path
Here’s how you can remove a clipping path in Illustrator –
1. Open Your Illustrator Project
Start by opening your project in Adobe Illustrator where the clipping path is applied. Make sure all the layers and objects are visible.
2. Select the Clipping Path
You need to select the object that contains the clipping path. You can do this by using the Selection Tool (V). Click on the clipped group or object to select it. If you’re unsure which object has the clipping path, look for a group that, when selected, shows a distinct outline indicating the boundaries of the clipping mask.
3. Release the Clipping Mask
Done with selecting the clipped group? Now, you can release the clipping mask.
First, go to the Object menu at the top of the screen. Find the Clipping Mask option and choose Release.
Menu Path: Object > Clipping Mask > Release
Alternatively, you can right-click on the selected group and choose Release Clipping Mask from the context menu.
4. Edit or Remove the Clipping Path
After releasing the clipping mask, you will see all the objects that were previously hidden. The clipping path itself will still be present as a path object. You can now choose to edit, move, or completely delete this path:
- To Edit the Path: Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to adjust the anchor points and curves.
- To Delete the Path: Select the path with the Selection Tool (V) and press the Delete key.
Who Needs Clipping Path Tool?
Here are some of the key professionals and industries that benefit from clipping path tools:
- e-Commerce Sellers: Removing backgrounds from product photos sells items more effectively online. Background removal increases conversion rates by focusing on products.
- Graphic Designers: Precise pathing allows swapping stock photos into designs seamlessly. Clipping paths provide flexibility to experiment with layouts without quality loss.
- Photographers: They need to highlight the subject matter of the photo to showcase their talent. Thus, they need seamless editing for improved portraits. A clipping path, in this case, can be your ideal choice.
- Publishers: Isolated text, maps, and charts integrate smoothly into layouts for printed materials and books, which are essential for publishers. Achieving this goal is easy with the clipping path service.
- App and Game Makers: Clipping paths is beneficial for them to isolate the main character or subject flawlessly into animations and scenes. It keeps the asset vivid at any scale and produces crisp images at any output size.
- Marketing Agencies: Products and branding elements need to draw attention in campaigns, social posts, and promotions on a particular subject. The clipping path can expertly handle the subject matter to stand out smoothly.
Now, let’s look at what the clipping path is used for. Though the discussion on clipping path benefits shed some light on this matter, we will narrow down the uses for your added convenience:
- The clipping path helps in attaining a plain background for e-commerce photos.
- Through this service, you can color-correct and retouch a photo.
- Removing the background and unwanted elements of a picture is easy if you know how to use the right tool.
- Using the clipping path service, you can create your perfect 3D model.
- In the magazine sector, clipping is mostly used to highlight the model or a particular object in the magazine.
FAQs
Can I reapply a clipping path after removing it?
Yes, you can reapply a clipping path. Select the path and the objects you want to clip, then go to Object > Clipping Mask > Make, or use the shortcut Ctrl+7!
Why is my clipping path not releasing?
If the clipping path is not releasing, ensure that you have selected the correct object or group. Check the Layers Panel to confirm the structure of your objects and clipping paths. Ungroup any grouped objects if necessary.
Are there any shortcuts for releasing a clipping mask?
There isn’t a direct shortcut for releasing a clipping mask, but you can quickly access it via the context menu by right-clicking on the selected object and choosing Release Clipping Mask.
Conclusion
Now, you can easily manage clipping paths and make necessary adjustments to your artwork. Simply follow our easy steps if you don’t know how to remove a clipping path in Illustrator. Facing any difficulty with clipping paths? Feel free to contact us!