In this tutorial, I show you how to use clipping masks in Photoshop to show and hide different parts of a layer and fit images into shapes! We'll learn the basics of how to create a clipping mask, and we'll explore the idea behind them in more detail so that by the end of this lesson, you'll have a solid grasp on how clipping masks work. I'll be using Photoshop CC but everything is fully compatible with Photoshop CS6 and earlier. Let's get started! Adding a Pixel Layer Mask in Photoshop allows you to control the transparency of details on that particular layer. A lot of creative professionals use them to mask out people, products, cars or even landmarks. Pixel Layer Mask work in the same way light works. Details are revealed when something is well lit or in bright surroundings, but when we are in dark surroundings, we can no longer see those details, even though they are still there. Before Masking, we need to understand how selection works. There are many ways to create selections in Photoshop. For this example, we will take a look at the Select Subject option. Photoshop layer masks offer advanced control over image transparency, one of the most basic functionalities of Photoshop. Because of their fundamental nature, every Photoshop user should have a working understanding of layer masks and how to use them. They open huge doors to creative possibilities and help Photoshop users knock out simple tasks as well! Clipping masks in Photoshop are a powerful way to control the visibility of a layer. In that sense, clipping masks are similar to layer masks. But while the end result may look the same, clipping masks and layer masks are very different. A layer mask uses black and white to show and hide different parts of the layer. But a clipping mask uses the content and transparency of one layer to control the visibility of another. To create a clipping mask, we need two layers. The layer on the bottom controls the visibility of the layer above it. In other words, the bottom layer is the mask, and the layer above it is the layer that's clipped to the mask. Where the bottom layer contains actual content (pixels, shapes, or type), the content on the layer above it is visible. But if any part of the layer on the bottom is transparent, then that same area on the layer above it will be hidden. That may sound more confusing than how a layer mask works, but clipping masks are just as easy to use. Let's create a clipping mask ourselves so we can better understand how they work. I mean… can’t I just use the eraser tool to remove parts of an image? The answer is yes! However, if you do those parts of the image will be lost forever. That method resides in what we consider a destructive workflow. Layer masks, on the other hand, leave the original layer pixel data untouched. This means you can play with the transparency in a multitude of ways without harming the layer content or creating an irreversible mess. With that said let’s jump in! Now you should feel like you have a better understanding of layer masks! Bringing this tool into your workflow will make you a better Photoshop user based on your increased facility to enter into new creative possibilities!