Photoshop Clipping Mask Easy Tutorial .

1.  The first thing you’ll need to do to create the shape you wish to mask with.  We created some vector text using the horizontal type tool.

2.  Next you’ll need to import the image you want to clip.  You can do this by opening your image in photoshop, hitting ctrl+a to select all, ctrl+c to copy, and then going to your working file tab and hitting ctrl+v to paste.
3.  After pasting you’ll have a new layer. Make sure that your image is ordered above the text (or shape) layer.

4.  With the image layer selected, go to Layer > Create Clipping Mask.  Alternatively, you can use ctrl+alt+g as a shortcut.  If you plan on having a bunch of images to shape, the shortcut will save you a ton of time.  Make sure to use it!

5.  Now your image has been clipped to your shape and you can manipulate the image layer or shape layer independently!  Trust me, being able to edit these after the first draft of your design will be a huge lifesaver in the long run.  One thing I’ve learned is that things are rarely right on the first time.   Pay yourself forward.