Some subjects cannot be cut out with a clipping path. Hair, fur, feathers, lace, tulle, smoke, glass and anything semi-transparent have edges that are soft, fine or see-through. Image masking separates those subjects from the background while keeping every strand and the right amount of transparency.
We use layer masks, channel masking and refine-edge techniques depending on the image, and very often combine them with a path for the hard parts. The goal is a cut-out you can drop on any background without a halo.
Masking takes more time than a simple path, so it costs a little more. The difference is obvious when the result goes onto a dark or coloured background.
What our image masking service includes
- Hair and fur masking for people and pets
- Transparent and translucent objects (glass, plastic, liquids)
- Lace, mesh, tulle and fine fabrics
- Alpha channel masking
- Colour decontamination of edges
- Combined path + mask for mixed subjects
- Transparent PNG or layered PSD output
- Placement on new backgrounds
Before and after
Drag the slider to compare an unedited photo with the finished result. These are real photos edited by hand, not mock-ups.
Before After Who it is for
Model and fashion shots
Flyaway hair stays natural when models are moved onto brand backgrounds.
Pet products
Dogs and cats on product pages keep their fur texture.
Glassware and bottles
Transparency is preserved so the new background shows through realistically.
Bridal and lingerie
Lace and tulle keep their delicate detail.
Composites
Subjects can be combined with new scenes for ads and posters.
How we make sure it looks right
We test every mask on a dark background and a coloured one. That is where leftover background colour and missing strands show up. We remove colour spill from the old background so the edge takes on the new one.
For glass and liquids we keep the right level of transparency and the highlights that give the object its shape. A mask that makes glass fully opaque looks wrong immediately.
How it works
- Send your images. Tell us the new background or that you need transparency.
- Assess the edge. We check what masking method each image needs and quote.
- Mask. Editors build masks by hand, combining with paths where useful.
- Contrast test. Each file is reviewed on dark and coloured backgrounds.
- Deliver. PNG with transparency, PSD with masks, or placed on your background.
Turnaround and file formats
Delivery time depends on the number of images and how complex they are, so we confirm a firm deadline with every quote rather than promising a one-size-fits-all number. Rush delivery is available for many jobs; just ask when you send your files.
We accept JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD, HEIC, WebP and most camera RAW formats (CR2, CR3, NEF, ARW, RAF, DNG). You choose the output: high-quality JPG, transparent PNG, layered PSD, TIFF or WebP, in sRGB for web or another colour profile for print. We keep your file names and folder structure so the edited files drop straight back into your workflow.
Preparing your files
- Send the largest, sharpest version you have. We can always size down, but we cannot add detail that is not there.
- Tell us where the images will be used (Amazon, your own store, print, social) so we export the right size.
- Include one finished example or a reference image if you have a particular style in mind.
- Share large batches by Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer or a similar link.
Why hand editing still matters
Automatic tools are fast, and for some jobs they are good enough. The trouble is that they make the same small mistakes again and again: soft edges where there should be crisp ones, missing gaps, colour fringes, and details that quietly disappear. On a thumbnail you might not notice. On a zoomed product page, a printed catalogue or a large banner, customers do. Our image masking work is done by trained editors who look at every edge and every surface, and who can make judgement calls a tool cannot, such as what belongs to the product and what is just a reflection or a speck of dust.
Our quality checklist
- Every image is checked at 100% zoom, not just as a thumbnail.
- Edges are reviewed on contrasting backgrounds to catch halos and stray pixels.
- Colour is compared with the original so the product stays true to life.
- Sizing, margins and naming follow the brief for the whole batch.
- A second editor signs off each file before delivery.
Large and recurring orders
If you have a big catalogue or a regular flow of new products, we set up a short style guide with you on the first order covering background, margins, shadows, file size and naming. Every later batch follows it, whichever editor works on it, so your images stay consistent month after month. Regular clients also get volume pricing and a predictable delivery schedule agreed in advance, which makes it easier to plan product launches and seasonal drops.
Pricing
Every image is different, so we price image masking by complexity and volume. Send a few samples and we will reply with a clear per-image quote before you commit to anything. See our pricing page for how quotes work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between masking and clipping path?
A path gives a hard edge. A mask can be soft and partly transparent, so it handles hair, fur and glass.
Can you mask very fine hair?
Yes, as long as the original is sharp and the hair contrasts with the background.
Do you edit transparent products?
Yes. We keep transparency so the new background shows through.
Will I get the mask in the file?
Order PSD and the layer mask is kept and editable.
Is masking more expensive?
Usually a little, because it takes longer. We always quote first.
Can I try the service before paying?
Yes. Send a few images through our free trial and judge the quality yourself, with no card needed.
Are my images kept private?
Yes. Your files are used only to complete your order and are not shared or used in our portfolio without your written permission.
Try our image masking service free
Send us a few images and we will edit them at no cost, so you can see the quality before placing an order.
Related services: Background Removal Service, Clipping Path Service, Portrait & Headshot Retouching.
