How do you create a clipping mask, and what is its effect on the clipped layer?

How do you create a clipping mask, and what is its effect on the clipped layer?

• A. Place the layer below the base layer and choose Create Clipping Mask (or Alt/Option-click between layers); the clipped layer is visible only where the base layer has content.
• B. Place the layer above the base layer and choose Create Clipping Mask (or Alt/Option-click between layers); the clipped layer is visible only where the base layer has content.
• C. Right-click the base layer and choose Dissolve; the clipped layer disappears.
• D. Convert to Smart Object and enable Clip; the clipped layer becomes a vector.

Answer: (B)

Clipping masks rely on the bottom layer to control where the top layer can be seen. Put the layer you want to clip directly above the base layer, then create the clipping mask (Layer > Create Clipping Mask or Alt/Option-click between the layers). The clipped layer will only be visible where the base layer has content; any areas where the base layer is transparent hide the clipped layer. You can apply the same mask to additional layers above, but the key idea is that the bottom layer’s content defines the visible region for the clipped layer.

Clipping masks rely on the bottom layer to control where the top layer can be seen. Put the layer you want to clip directly above the base layer, then create the clipping mask (Layer > Create Clipping Mask or Alt/Option-click between the layers). The clipped layer will only be visible where the base layer has content; any areas where the base layer is transparent hide the clipped layer. You can apply the same mask to additional layers above, but the key idea is that the bottom layer’s content defines the visible region for the clipped layer.