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Mask Image Generation

Guidelines for Creating a Mask Image Using Photoshop

Introduction:

A Mask Image is a crucial component of a design editor. It helps visualize how a design will appear on an actual product by acting as a The mask image is essentially a transparent PNG that contains product details such as material texture, folds, shadows, highlights, and the exact borders of the product shape.

This document explains the step-by-step process to create a mask image for a T-shirt product using Adobe Photoshop (CC version).

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • Adobe Photoshop CC (Version 24 or above recommended)
  • A high-quality T-shirt product image
  • Overall T-shirt product dimensions (artboard size)
  • Print / design area dimensions

1. Generate a Mask Image (or) a Background Image

Step 1​

To Create The Mask image for T-Shirt Product.First we need to know the Artboard area (T-Shirt Dimension)  of the Mask image

Step 2​

Launch Adobe Photoshop on your PC or laptop.

Step 3​

Create a New File

Click File → New to create a new document for the mask image.

Step 4​

Enter Document Settings

Set the following values:

  • Unit: Inches
  • Width & Height: As per T-shirt product specification
  • Resolution: 300 DPI
  • Color Mode: RGB Color

Click Create.

Step 5​

A white artboard with a locked background layer will appear. Ensure the Layers panel is visible on the right side of Photoshop

Step 6​

Place the T-shirt Image

  • Select the T-shirt product image
  • Paste it onto the artboard
  • Resize it to match the artboard dimensions

Tip: Use Ctrl + T and hold the Alt key while resizing to scale proportionally from all sides.

Step 7​

Rasterize the T-shirt Layer

In the Layers panel:

  • Right-click on the T-shirt layer
  • Select Rasterize Layer

Step 8​

Remove the Background

  • Select the Magic Wand Tool
  • Set Tolerance to an adjustable value (Recommended: 50)
  • Click on the white background behind the T-shirt
  • Press Delete

Step 9​

Clean Up the Selection

  • Turn off the background layer by clicking the eye icon
  • Press Ctrl + D to deselect the active selection

Step 10​

Creating the Design / Print Area​

Draw the Print Area

  • Select the Rectangle Tool from the toolbar
  • Left-click on the artboard
  • Enter the print area width and height as per specifications
  • Click OK

Step 11​

Extract the Design Area from the T-shirt​

  • Select the Rectangle layer
  • Hold Ctrl and click on the rectangle thumbnail
  • Select the T-shirt layer
  • Press Ctrl + J to duplicate the selected area

This creates a separate design-area layer.

Step 12​

Select the Rectangle layer, hold Ctrl, click on the rectangle thumbnail, then select the T-shirt layer and press Ctrl + J.

Step 13​

The above step is done to Cut the Design area part from the T-Shirt 

Click on eye icon of design area and off the layer. The product image is now ready.

Step 14​

Save the Product Mask Image

  • Go to File → Export → Export As.
  • Use the following settings:

    • Format: PNG

    • Transparency: Enabled

    • Width & Height: Set between 800 px – 1000 px (to reduce the mask image size)

Click Save and choose the desired folder.

Step 15​

Save the product image in the desired folder

Step 16​

Save the Design Area Mask Image​
  • Go to File → Export → Export As.
  • Use the following settings:

    • Format: PNG

    • Transparency: Enabled

    • Width & Height: Set between 800 px – 1000 px (to reduce the mask image size)

Click Save and choose the desired folder.

Step 17​

Save the product image in the desired folder.

Need Help?​

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