We often hear a common question: What are the differences between clipping path and background removal? Are both the same? or do they have differences? Though both are popular vital terms in photo editing, they have differences.

Today, we will find the differences between clipping path and background removal.

Let’s start

What is clipping path?

To find differences between clipping path and background removal, we need to understand what clipping path is. Clipping path is a image selection technique used to cut out an image from an object. It is a common photoshop technique used in clipping path service. There are various tools in Photoshop for smooth editing. Most of the clipping path companies use Photoshop pen tool to create a clipping path of an image.

The tool works like a pen. With this, you can draw a vector path of an object. The process will be finished by joining the beginning and end portions. The aim is to select an object without losing pixels. After that, you may remove the background.

What is background Removal?

Background removal is the process of removing the background. There are several ways to remove the background from an image. You can do it manually or with automatic background remover. Regarding manual editing, lots of software is available to do this. In this tutorial, we will talk about only Adobe Photoshop.

Photoshop has lots of tools for background removal. Here is a list few tools to cut out images in Photoshop.

  • pen tool
  • background eraser tool
  • quick selection tool
  • Photo masking

You can try any of the tools for removing the background. However, you must consider the image before using any tools. All tools are not suitable for each image. So, you must find the perfect tool to complete the work smoothly. If you don’t have time to find the best tool, then you can outsource it from a service provider.

Key Differences between clipping path and background removal

  • Clipping path is the process of creating an outline of an object. On the contrary, background removal is removing the background keeping the object.
  • For the clipping path, the Photoshop pen tool is a must. On the contrary, you can use several other tools to remove the background along with the pen tool.
  • Clipping path technique delivers the best outputs without losing pixels from images. On the contrary, if you use other tools, it may deteriorate pixels.
  • The clipping path technique works well for hard-edged images. On the contrary, you must use other background removal techniques for soft-edge images.
  • Clipping path can be used for image selection, color correction, shadow creation, and background removal. On the contrary, the background removal technique is only used for removing the background.
  • The clipping path technique has some limitations. For example, this technique can’t be applied to images containing human hair or fuzzy elements.
  • To remove background images containing fuzzy elements, an image masking technique is a must.

Read our other clipping path-related articles

Conclusion

In conclusion, while clipping path and background removal are necessary for removing background from an image, they have different goals. The clipping path is used to create an outline for background removal, color correction, shadow creation, and more. Background removal is used to remove distractions from images. While both can be useful, choosing the right tool for the job when removing background is essential.