Adding rounded corners, or a "border radius," to an image in Photopea is a straightforward process often accomplished using Clipping Masks and Shape Layers. This method is flexible and non-destructive, meaning you can easily adjust the corner radius later.
One common technique, as suggested by video tutorials like "Misc. Tech: Curve Picture Corners in Photopea," involves utilizing Photopea's layer stacking capabilities to achieve this effect.
Method: Using a Clipping Mask with a Rounded Rectangle
This method involves using a rounded rectangle shape to define the visible area of your image layer.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to give your image rounded corners in Photopea:
- Open Your Image: Start by opening the image you want to modify in Photopea (File > Open).
- Ensure Image is a Layer: If your image is the 'Background' layer (indicated by a lock icon), double-click it in the Layers panel to convert it into a standard editable layer.
- Add a New Layer for the Shape: Create a new layer below your image layer. This can be done by clicking the 'New Layer' icon at the bottom of the Layers panel, then dragging it below your image layer, or by selecting your image layer and then choosing Layer > New > Layer, then dragging it below.
- Select the Rounded Rectangle Tool: Go to the toolbar and select the Shape Tool (U). In the options bar at the top, choose Rounded Rectangle.
- Set the Radius: In the options bar, adjust the Radius value. This number, measured in pixels, determines how rounded your corners will be. A higher value creates rounder corners.
- Draw the Rounded Rectangle: On the shape layer you created, draw a rounded rectangle shape. Position and size it to cover the area of your image you want to keep visible with rounded corners.
- Arrange Layers: Crucially, ensure your image layer is directly above the shape layer in the Layers panel. As mentioned in the reference, make sure the picture is "on on the top of the layer. Stack" relative to the layer that will define the shape.
- Create the Clipping Mask: Select your image layer (the one on top). Right-click on the image layer in the Layers panel and choose Clipping Mask from the context menu. Alternatively, go to Layer > Clipping Mask.
Your image will now be clipped to the shape of the rounded rectangle below it, effectively giving it rounded corners!
Understanding the Clipping Mask
When you create a clipping mask:
- The layer directly below the clipped layer (your shape layer) acts as a "mask."
- Only the parts of the clipped layer (your image) that overlap with the content of the base layer (your shape) remain visible.
- The fill and stroke of the base shape layer are not visible themselves; they solely define the mask area. This aligns with the concept from the reference of effectively "hiding that layer" (the shape's visual form) while it serves its masking purpose.
Tips for Customization
- Adjusting Radius: To change the roundness, select the shape layer, activate the Path Selection Tool (under the Direct Selection Tool, A), select the rounded rectangle path, and adjust the 'Radius' option in the top bar.
- Moving/Resizing: You can move or resize both the image layer and the shape layer independently or together using the Move Tool (V) to fine-tune the composition.
- Adding a Border: To add a border outside the rounded corners, you can add Layer Styles (like 'Stroke') to the shape layer itself.
By following these steps, you can easily achieve a professional-looking border radius on your images within Photopea.
