How to Cut Out A Shape in Photoshop

Have you ever wondered how those fantastic photos make objects appear to float or seamlessly blend into new backgrounds? Well, it is only possible with Photoshop magic! Now, let’s talk about how to cut out a shape in Photoshop. Get ready to learn the secrets to creating jaw-dropping effects using a sprinkle of digital magic and a dash of creativity.

With Photoshop, it’s not just about cutting; it’s about crafting visual masterpieces that leave everyone in awe. So, grab your virtual scissors and start the journey to be a master of how to cut out a shape in Photoshop. By the end of this guide, you’ll be slicing shapes like a pro and transforming your photos into captivating works of art that will leave your friends wondering, “How did they do that?” Let’s dive in!

Mastering the Art of Digital Cutouts: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Starting The Journey!

So, you are learning how to cut out a shape in Photoshop. But before we jump into the creative fray, let’s clear up some basics. Here’s the deal: No accurate “cutting” is involved here. No need to fret about accidentally snipping away something vital as you might with scissors. In Photoshop, you have the superpower to experiment, change your mind, and reverse your artistic choices whenever you fancy.

Now, let’s break down the key concepts you need to grasp about digital cutouts:

1. Selection Tools: Your Precision Weapons

Think of your selection as a finely tuned blade, poised to define the precise area you want to cut. The first step in crafting a stunning cutout is choosing the correct selection tool in Photoshop. You will find different tools here. Some tools are lightning-fast and ideal for quick tasks, while others provide intricate precision for this editing.

2. Layer Masks: The Digital Magic Scissors

Layer Masks are where the actual “cutting” happens in Photoshop, but they work more like a magical paper shield. Applying a Layer Mask to an image with a selection isolates only the part you’ve chosen, effectively cutting it out from the background. The beauty here is that since it’s all digital, you can tweak your Layer Mask as much as your heart desires.

This process relies on the trusty Photoshop brush tool and two enchanting colors — black and white. Black conceals everything beneath it, while white reveals it. Don’t forget, you can also adjust the brush’s opacity to let only parts of the image shine through, helping you avoid those harsh edges.

3. Non-Destructive Editing: The Art of Flexibility

Working with Layer Masks is akin to dancing with non-destructive editing. The magic wand is in your hands, and you can change your mind anytime by painting your Layer Mask in black or white until it’s just right.

With these three essential concepts in your toolkit, you can start on your Photoshop cutout adventure. So, grab your selection tool, summon your Layer Mask, and prepare to craft digital masterpieces that will amaze your friends!

4. Refine Your Edges: Polishing Your Cutout

Creating an exceptional cutout isn’t just about separating the subject from the background; it’s about ensuring the edges are clean and precise. Here, you will fine-tune the remaining edges, smoothing out jagged lines and ensuring your cutout seamlessly blends into any backdrop.

5. Creative Possibilities: Using Cutouts in Your Projects

Make cool posters, jazz up your social media posts, or create imaginative digital collages. Your improved skills will make your work even better. Prepare to dazzle your audience with visually stunning compositions seamlessly incorporating your precisely cut subjects into any setting.

This is all you need to know about cutting out a shape in Photoshop before learning the step-by-step process. In the next section, let’s learn how to cut out a shape in Photoshop.

How to Cut Out A Shape In Photoshop? Step By Step Process Is Here!

Have you ever wondered how to cut out a shape in Photoshop? Get ready for an exciting journey because we’re about to explore this captivating process that will turn you into a shape-cutting expert in no time!

How to Cut Out A Shape in Photoshop: 4 Simple Steps

Step 1: Create a Shape

First things first, we need a shape to work with. Grab the Custom Shape tool from your toolbar. If it’s hiding, just right-click to bring it to the party, or simply hit Shift + U until it shows up.

Now, pick your favorite shape from the options bar, and click and drag it onto your canvas. Want to maintain that perfect aspect ratio? Hold down Shift as you drag. And remember to give it some color by clicking the Fill box and choosing your hue from the color picker.

Step 2: Select the Shape

Guess what? There is no need for fancy selection tools here. Your shape is already on its layer! Hold Ctrl (or Command on Mac) and click on the thumbnail in the Layers panel to select it.

Step 3: Select the Deletion Area

Cutting out shapes the regular way doesn’t quite cut the shapes properly Cthemselves. They’re already on their own layers, so there’s no need to mask them off.

But what if you want to mess with the background behind your shape? Easy-peasy! Grab the Rectangular Marquee Tool, select the area you want to mess with, and then delete or mask it as usual.

Step 4: Delete or Mask it Off

To permanently delete those pixels, hit the Backspace or Delete key. If you’re indecisive and want to keep your options open for adjustments, just invert your selection (Ctrl + Shift + I or Command + Shift + I) and hit that magical Mask button at the bottom of the Layers panel.

How to Cut Out a Shape within A Shape? 2 Methods Are Here!

Want to get even crazier and cut a shape within a shape? You got it!

Method 1: Rasterize and Create a Layer Via Cut

First, we’ll need to rasterize the layer containing the shape you want to cut into. Right-click on that layer and choose “Rasterize Layer” from the menu.

But hold your horses! Make sure you won’t resize the shape anymore because rasterizing turns vectors into pixels, and pixels don’t like to be stretched.

Next, select the shape you want to cut out by holding Ctrl (or Command) and clicking its thumbnail. Then, go back to the original shape’s layer.

Activate the Marquee tool (press M or select it from the toolbar), right-click on the shape, and choose “Layer Via Cut.” Voila! You’ll now have an excellent hole punched through your shape.

Method 2: Subtract Front Shape

Want to keep that vector magic? No problem at all!

Select both layers in the Layers panel. Hold down Shift and click on the layers you want. Then, head to the “Layer” menu, hover over “Combine Shapes,” and choose “Subtract Front Shape.”

Watch the magic happen! Your top shape will be cut out from the bottom shape, and they’ll even share colors. If you want to revert to white or change the color, double-click the shape layer thumbnail and get creative.

So there you have it: cutting out shapes within shapes in Photoshop isn’t as daunting as it seems. Give it a whirl, and soon, you’ll be slicing and dicing shapes like a digital ninja.

Feeling inspired? Check out other cool tricks you can pull off with shapes in Photoshop.

Excellent Photoshop Cutout Techniques: Tips & Tricks

Ready to master the art of cutting out shapes like a pro after learning how to cut out a shape in Photoshop? We have some fantastic tips and tricks that will make those challenging cutouts easy, whether working with delicate hair, tight corners, or complex shapes.

Tip 1: Taming the Hair

Hair can be a beast regarding cutouts, but fear not; the Refine Edge tool is here to save the day! Here’s how to make those locks behave:

• Start by making your selection, but avoid grabbing any boring background, even if it’s mingling with the hair.
• Next, hit up the Select and Mask button in the toolbar.
• Inside the Select and Mask workspace, dig out the Refine Edge brush from the left side of the panel.
• Get in there and gently brush over those stray hairs, especially around the edges of your subject.
• Now, head to the Select and Mask properties panel on the right, scroll down, and pick “Output to Layer Mask.”

Tip 2: Nailing Tight Corners and Angles

Are you dealing with sharp corners and snazzy angles? Say hello to your new best buddy, the Polygonal Lasso tool. Here’s the scoop:

• For subjects with straight lines, like books or picture frames, just click around the shape until you’re back where you started. Voila! Perfectly straight-line selections.
• Pro tip alert! If you want those lines to be super precise (90 or 180 degrees), hold the shift button after clicking with the Polygonal Lasso tool. It’s like Photoshop magic!

Tip 3: Conquering the Intricate and Unconnected

When tackling intricate shapes or stuff that’s not quite connected, you’ve got options.

• Use any Lasso tools and then the Quick Selection tool to cut out complex shapes, or even rock two separate selections at once (yes, you can cut out those eyes without the whole face).
• The Quick Selection tool is your go-to for adding or subtracting from your selection. Click the plus sign (+) to add and subtract with the minus sign (-).

Tip 4: Fuzzy Edges? Use Feathering

Sometimes, you want a softer, more blended edge for your cutout. If you’ve got a subject with wispy or flowing elements, like hair or fabric, this tip is golden:

• After making your initial selection, go to the Select menu and choose “Modify.”
• Select “Feather” from there, and a dialogue box will pop up. Here, you can choose how much feathering you want. A higher value means a smoother, more gradual transition between your subject and the background.
• Experiment with different feathering values until you achieve that perfect, dreamy cutout.

Tip 5: Be a Selection Wizard with the Magic Wand

The Magic Wand tool can be, well, magic when it comes to selecting areas with similar colors or tones. It’s convenient for those situations where you want to cut out a solid-colored object from a contrasting background:

• Grab the Magic Wand tool from your toolbar.
• Click anywhere on the background area you want to remove. The Magic Wand will automatically select areas with a similar color or tone.
• If your selection could be better, don’t fret! You can adjust the Tolerance setting in the tool options bar. A lower tolerance selects fewer similar colors, while a higher tolerance broadens the selection.
• Once satisfied with your selection, simply hit the Delete key and watch that background disappear like magic!

Wanna get fancy? You can even create selections with holes in the middle using these tools. With these tricks and tips, your journey of shape-cutting out becomes a piece of cake. Believe us! Follow these tips and tricks to get the best professional-like result.

If you want professional assistance or to save time, consider experts like Clipping Path Finder. They offer top-notch Photoshop cutout shape services. They’re just a click away, ready to turn your creative visions into stunning visual realities.

Final Thought

In the end, we believe you have discovered the secrets of cutting out a shape in Photoshop. These invaluable tips and tricks are your companions in editing, ready to assist you in confidently conquering even the trickiest cutouts, whether wispy hair, tricky corners, or intricate shapes.

Always remember that Photoshop can be your best friend in editing. With some practice, you will be a cutout expert in no time. The path of cutting out shapes becomes easier with Photoshop.

Continue to refine your Photoshop skills, and who knows what remarkable masterpieces you’ll create in the future. Experts suggest this guide on how to cut out a shape in Photoshop. So, be tension-free! Follow the step-by-step process of cutting out shapes and tips and tricks and be the master of this field.