How to Make Paths in Photoshop – Expert Clipping’s Guide

Introduction

Ever zoomed in until your eyes crossed, trying to cut a product out perfectly in Photoshop? We’ve all been there. The edges look jagged. The background refuses to disappear cleanly. That’s when clipping paths become your secret weapon.

At Expert Clipping, we create perfect paths every day for eCommerce brands, photographers, and agencies worldwide. Whether it’s a single photo or 5,000 images, we know how to make paths that look flawless and print sharp.

Quick Answer: How to Make Paths in Photoshop

In Photoshop, you make a path by selecting the Pen Tool (P), clicking anchor points around your subject, and adjusting curves with handles. Once complete, save it in the Paths panel to use for selections, masks, or clipping path services.

Related keyword variants:
how to make paths in photoshop mac | Pen Tool Photoshop | Path Selection Tool Photoshop shortcut

What is a Path in Photoshop & Why It Matters

A path in Photoshop is a series of connected vector points that outline a shape or object. Unlike pixel-based selections, paths are infinitely scalable and editable without losing quality.

Checklist: Why Use Paths Over Selections

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Path in Photoshop

1. Open your image in Photoshop.
2. Select the Pen Tool (P) from the toolbar.
3. Click to place anchor points around your subject.
4. For curves, click and drag to adjust direction handles.
5. Once complete, go to the Paths panel and save your path.

💡 Pro Tip: On Mac, replace Ctrl with Command for shortcuts.

Advanced Path Techniques

• From Selection to Path: With a selection active, open the Paths panel, choose Make Work Path.
• Stroke a Path: Choose the Brush tool, then Stroke Path from the Paths panel menu.
• Turn Path into Shape: Select your path and click Convert to Shape.
• Align Paths: Use the Path Selection Tool (A) and alignment buttons in the options bar.

Clipping Path vs Vector Mask vs Work Path

Real-World Uses for Paths

At Expert Clipping, we’ve used professional clipping path services for:

• eCommerce: Cutting products for Amazon listings
• Fashion: Editing backgrounds for catalog lookbooks
• Real Estate: Isolating properties from cluttered surroundings

When to Use, When to Outsource

Use paths yourself for simple objects and low volume work.
Outsource to a clipping path service provider when:

• You have hundreds or thousands of images
• The shapes are complex or delicate
• Deadlines are tight

Customer Reviews & Social Proof

“Expert Clipping saved me 8 hours a week on product editing. My Amazon store looks cleaner, and sales went up!” – Mark L., Online Seller

“Their clipping paths are razor-sharp. I stopped redoing my own edits.” – Sara M., Photographer

Pricing & CTAs

DIY vs Expert Clipping

✅ Get Instant Cost Estimate
✅ Request Your First 3 Images Free
✅ Subscribe & Save on Bulk Editing

FAQ — Snippet-Ready Answers

Q: Where is the Paths panel in Photoshop?
A: Go to Window > Paths.

Q: How do I convert a selection into a path?
A: With the selection active, open the Paths panel menu and choose Make Work Path.

Q: What’s the shortcut for the Path Selection Tool?
A: Press A on your keyboard.

Q: Can I make paths on Photoshop Mac?
A: Yes. Shortcuts are the same, except Command replaces Ctrl.

Why Expert Clipping

You can make perfect paths in Photoshop — it just takes time, patience, and zooming until you can count pixels. But for bulk work, tight deadlines, or when you need absolute perfection, Expert Clipping delivers paths that are clean, accurate, and print-ready every time.

✅ Start Your Free Trial Today