What is the Difference Between a Layer Mask and a Clipping Mask?

The difference between a layer mask and a clipping mask. In this article, I will explain the difference between the layer mask and the clipping mask.

When you are starting a learning clipping path, this may make you confused. So you may need to know bit more about how to outsource product photo editing?

Let's start by explaining their definitions. Later, I will write about the difference.

What is a Layer mask?

So, what are layer masks exactly? Are you puzzled by the word "mask"? Replace it with "transparency," and that is just what a layer mask achieves.

Layer masking is a reversible technique for concealing a part of a layer. This gives you more editing opportunities than erasing or cutting a part of a layer.

Layer masking can construct image composites, cut out objects for inclusion in other documents, and restrict edits to a specific part of a layer.

It enables you to change the transparency of a layer. That's the only thing there is about it. They aren't anything more than that.

What is Clipping Mask?

A clipping mask is a group of layers that have had a mask added to them. The bottom layer or base layer defines the group's apparent borders. 

Assume the bottom layer contains a shape, the layer above it contains an image, and the top layer contains the text.

Clipping masks are a powerful technique in Photoshop for manipulating the exposure of a layer. In this respect, clipping masks are identical to layer masks.

However, though the end product is the same, clipping masks and layer masks do not yield the same results.

Assume the bottom layer contains a shape, the layer above it contains an image, and the top layer contains the text. 

If the image and text only appear from the form outline in the base layer, they inherit the base layer's opacity.

Only layers that are next to each other may be grouped. The group's base layer's name is shown, and the thumbnails for the layers above it are indented. 

The clipping mask symbol can also be seen on the layers above it.

What is the Difference Between a Layer Mask and a Clipping Mask?

Clipping & layer masks, allow you to cover parts of an image, but they are made with several layers, while layer masks only use one. A clipping mask is a shape that hides other artwork when exposing what's inside it.

But wait, there's a catch. The Opacity setting changes the transparency of the entire layer at once. 

When the Opacity level is set to 50%, the whole layer becomes 50% translucent.

In certain instances, this is perfect, but what if you want a part of a layer to be transparent? 

What if you like the left side of the layer to be fully translucent while the right side is visible, with a steady transition between the two in the center of the layer?

That's a common thing to do with a Photoshop layer, allowing you to fade from one picture to another.

As previously said, you can't do that with the Opacity option because it just helps you monitor the brightness of the whole layer at once. 

What you'd like is a way to monitor the transparency of various areas of the layer independently. It would be necessary to use a layer mask.