Clipping Path

A clipping path service is a photo editing technique where an editor manually traces a product's perimeter using Photoshop's Pen Tool to create a closed vector path. This path separates the subject from its original background, enabling clean placement on pure white, transparent, or custom lifestyle backgrounds with zero pixel distortion.

AI background removal relies on algorithmic edge estimation, which blurs fine details, cuts into product boundaries, and leaves unsightly color fringing or pixel halos. Hand-drawn clipping paths provide exact 1-2px inward tolerance, razor-sharp Bézier curves, and embedded vector paths that designers and retouchers can edit or reuse indefinitely.

Clipping paths are delivered embedded directly in the file as an active vector path (typically named 'Path 1'), compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The path is saved in JPG, TIFF or layered PSD files. PNG cannot hold a path, so if you also need a transparent PNG we send it as an extra, ready-cut copy.

Simple paths cover products with smooth, continuous curves and few anchor points (e.g., books, bottles, smartphones). Medium paths involve multiple curves and a few inner cutouts (e.g., shoes, handbags). Complex paths feature intricate perimeters, numerous compound inner holes, and elaborate geometry (e.g., bicycles, jewelry, wire baskets, net fabrics).

Yes. Upon request, we isolate the product and place it on a calibrated pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255 / #FFFFFF), perfectly compliant with Amazon main image requirements and marketplace standards.

Standard turnaround is 24 hours. For high-volume enterprise orders, our studio scales to 2,500+ paths daily, with dedicated project managers and rush 12-hour turnaround available upon request.

Both. The path is saved inside the PSD or TIFF, so your designer or retoucher can load it as a selection later without redrawing. If you only need a flat result, we deliver JPG or PNG on white or transparent.

We draw with the Pen tool at a 1-2px tolerance and check the outline zoomed in, so the edge holds up on zoom-enabled marketplace images. Nothing is auto-traced. Inner shapes such as handles, holes and gaps get their own paths.

Simple ($0.39): one smooth shape, like a box or a bottle. Medium ($0.51): a few curves or a small inner opening. Advanced ($0.99): many curves or several inner openings, like a handbag with straps. Complex ($1.90): lots of anchor points, such as chains, grilles or lace edges. Super complex ($2.99): the densest shapes, like a bicycle or a woven basket. Prices are per image at 24h Standard.

Hair, fur and glass have soft or see-through edges that a single hard path cuts too sharply: use Background Removal, which masks them. If you need several parts or colors cut out separately, order Multi-Clipping Path. Retouching and color work sit on top of the cutout and are separate services.

Yes. For 500+ images we set up dedicated editors and custom pricing; book a call or email the studio. Batches under 500 are guaranteed within the turnaround you pick, and batches over 1,000 are delivered on a staggered daily schedule.

A sharp, evenly lit product on a plain background, shot straight on, with the whole product in frame. Blurred edges, shadows touching the product and clutter behind it push an image up a tier. Send the highest resolution you have.