Insert an Image Inside a Shape in Photoshop
This tutorial shows you how to combine a shape and a photo so the image fills the shape perfectly. You’ll create a shape layer, place your image, and use a clipping mask to confine the photo to the shape. Finally, you’ll adjust, style, and export your result as a transparent PNG.
Step-by-step instructions
Start a new document
Go to File → New.
Choose your canvas size and click Create.
Draw a shape
Select a Shape Tool (U), such as the Custom Shape Tool or Ellipse Tool.
Choose a Fill color (uses the current Foreground color).
Click-drag to draw the shape; hold Shift to constrain proportions.
Place your image
Drag your image into the document (or go to File → Place Embedded...).
With the image layer active, press Command+T (Mac) / Ctrl+T (Win) or go to Edit → Free Transform to size and position, then press Enter/Return.
Arrange layers for clipping
In the Layers panel, ensure the Shape layer is below the Image layer.
Select the Image layer.
Clip the image to the shape
Go to Layer → Create Clipping Mask.
Verify the image is now confined to the shape’s bounds.
Refine and style
Transform again via Edit → Free Transform to fit the shape as needed.
Double-click the image layer to open Layer Style; add effects like Gradient Overlay or Pattern Overlay.
Select the Shape layer and add a Stroke in Layer Style to outline the shape (optional).
Adjust tones (optional)
Select the clipped image layer.
Go to Image → Adjustments → Brightness/Contrast and set as desired.
Export with transparency
Hide any background layer so only the shaped image is visible.
Go to File → Export → Export As → PNG, ensure Transparency is enabled, then click Export.
