Step-by-step guide on how to insert photos into a clipping mask with a Photoshop PSD template
Clipping mask used to scare me but honestly, it’s pretty simple once you know the steps. Follow below for a step by step guide to inserting your photos into a clipping mask Photoshop template. There are many ETSY shops that have multiple clipping masks within a template for many photo options. My example shows a single photo option. If you’re a subscriber to our newsletter, you can download the freebie Photoshop template from our Freebie Library.
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Step 1
Open up your photoshop template. Turn off the eye icon to the “delete this layer” border. This border shows your approximate trim line. This is important if you have important text here the edge.
Step 2
If you don’t want the faux gold lettering artwork and prefer a flat color, turn on the eye icon next to the “color change” layer. To change color, double click on the small square within the color for the eye dropper properties to change the color layer.
See below for the color! No gold now.
Step 3
Open the image you want to insert and copy the entire image…see below. Remember Command A/Command C for Mac users and Control A/Control C for PC users.
Step 4
Paste the image into the Photoshop template…be sure to click on the clipping mask shape for it to paste above the clipping mask layer…use Command V (Mac) or Control V (PC users)…see below. It should be between the shape AND the “your image here” layer.
Step 5
Turn off the eye icon to the “your image here” layer…see below.
Step 6
Move your image until it’s where you want it to be. Command T for Mac users and Control T for PC users.
Step 7
Edit in your family name, date, text by clicking on the text.
Step 8
Once everything is perfect, you can flatten the layers by selecting…”Layer”…go to the bottom to…”Flatten Image”.
It will ask if you want to discard hidden layers, click “ok”.
Step 9
Click “save as” and select the Photoshop pdf format. Be sure to name it with your name.
And that’s it! Pretty easy, right?!
Now you can upload it to your favorite online print vendor.
If you plan to use a professional printer, I recommend Prints of Love. My shop has partnered with them to offer fast, high quality yet affordable printing. Plus free 2-3 day U.S. shipping and free envelopes!
If you plan on printing at home, I use HP envy as my work horse in my small business. Until next time, happy designing!
Gibb
