Adobe PHOTOSHOP 6.0 Manual page 250

CHAPTER 8
240
Using Layers
Editing a layer clipping path (Photoshop)
A layer clipping path creates a sharp-edged shape
on a layer. Typically, you can use a layer clipping
path to create buttons or panels. It's useful any
time you want to add a design element with clean,
defined edges. Once you create a layer with a layer
clipping path, you can apply one or more layer
styles to it, edit them if needed, and instantly have
a usable button, panel, or other Web design
element. For information on how to create a layer
clipping path, see "Drawing shapes and paths" on
page 161. Edit a layer clipping path by clicking
the layer clipping path thumbnail in the Layers
palette, or the thumbnail in the Paths palette,
then change the shape, using the shape and pen
tools. (See "Selecting paths (Photoshop)" on
page 173.) You can also convert a layer clipping
path into a layer mask, which automatically
rasterizes the mask.
Important: Once a layer clipping path has been
rasterized, it cannot be changed back into a
vector object.
To remove a layer clipping path:
1 Click the layer clipping path in the Layers
palette to select it.
2 Drag the layer clipping path to the Trash
button ( ).
You can also use the Layer menu to delete a
clipping path.
To convert a layer clipping path to a layer mask:
Click the layer clipping path in the Layers
1
palette to select it.
Choose Layer > Rasterize > Layer
2
Clipping Path.
Unlinking layers, layer masks, and layer
clipping paths
By default, a layer or layer set is linked to its layer
mask or layer clipping path, as indicated by the
link icon between the thumbnails in the Layers
palette. The layer and its layer mask or layer
clipping path (or both) move together in the
image when you move either one with the
move tool.
You can unlink the layer from its layer mask or
layer clipping path by clicking the link icon.
Unlinking them lets you move them indepen-
dently and shift the mask or layer clipping path
boundaries separately from the layer. Unlinking a
layer mask or layer clipping path can change how
layer effects are calculated. To re-establish the link,
click between the layer and layer mask or layer
clipping path thumbnails.
Viewing layer masks
By default, the layer mask channel does not
appear in the image. You can view and edit the
contents of the mask or temporarily turn off its
effects. You can also change the display options
for the mask.