Clipping Mask

Step 1: Open a picture you want to use in a clipping mask

Using the shape tool, create a new layer and draw a shape to fill the layer (note: you can use your logo, words, etc. for the mask. Think of the mask as the part you will see of the picture in the layer above.

Arrange the layers in the Layers palette so that the base layer with the mask is below the layers that you want to mask.

Do one of the following:

	Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS), position the pointer over the line in the Layers palette dividing the base layer and the first layer above it that you want to include in the clipping mask (the pointer changes to two overlapping circles ), and click.
	Select the first layer above the base layer in the Layers palette, and choose Layer > Create Clipping Mask.

To add additional layers to the clipping mask, use either method in step 2, and work your way upward one level at a time in the Layers palette.

Note: If you create a new layer between layers in a clipping mask, or drag an unclipped layer between layers in a clipping mask, the layer becomes part of the clipping mask.

Layers in the clipping mask are assigned the opacity and mode attributes of the base layer.

Do one of the following:

	Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS), position the pointer over the line separating two grouped layers in the Layers palette (the pointer changes to two overlapping circles ), and click.
	In the Layers palette, select a layer in the clipping mask, and choose Layer > Release Clipping Mask. This command removes the selected layer and any layers above it from the clipping mask.

Create a clipping mask

Remove a layer from a clipping mask