If you sell products online, there's no way around clipping. It creates the clean, consistent product images you know from every good online shop. Here you'll learn what's behind it, which options exist and what to expect price-wise.
What does "image clipping" mean?
Clipping means an object is cut cleanly out of its background. Only the product remains – free on a white or transparent background, with no distracting surroundings. A coffee cup on your kitchen table becomes a clean product image showing only the cup. This is exactly the look that online shops, marketplaces like Amazon and printed catalogues require.
Why clipped images matter
- Required in many shops: Amazon and many platforms require product images on a pure white background.
- Consistent presence: All products on the same background look tidy and professional.
- More sales: A cleanly clipped product draws the eye to what matters – and sells better than a snapshot with a cluttered background.
- Flexible to use: A transparent cut-out can be reused freely on banners, in ads or on coloured areas.
How images are clipped
1. Automatically (online tools & AI)
Free tools clip images automatically at the click of a button. This often works well for clear, simple subjects – but quickly reaches its limits with fine outlines (hair, fur, glass, transparency) and then delivers frayed edges.
2. Manually (by a professional)
With manual clipping, the outline is traced cleanly by hand – pixel by pixel where it counts. The result is perfect even for difficult subjects and looks high-quality. That's exactly what we do when it needs to look professional.
How much does image clipping cost?
Clipping is billed per image. Typical market prices as orientation:
| Effort | Typical price per image |
|---|---|
| Simple clipping (clear outline) | €0.30 – 2 |
| Medium complexity | €2 – 6 |
| Fine outlines (hair, fur, glass) | €6 – 20 |
| With retouching or shadow | from €10 |
Tip: Anyone having many images clipped at once – for example a whole shop catalogue – pays significantly less per image. Ask for a volume price.
Do it yourself or have it done?
For one or two simple images, a free tool is often enough. But as soon as it's about many images, fine outlines or a consistent, sales-ready look, a professional pays off: you save time and get clean edges and a result that convinces in your shop.
Your next step: Send us a few sample images in a free consultation – you'll get a concrete price per image. More about our work on the Image Editing page.
Frequently asked questions
Clipping means cutting an object cleanly out of its background. The product then stands free on a white or transparent background, with no distracting surroundings – just like product images in online shops and catalogues.
A simple clipping path is possible from around 0.30 to 2 euros per image on the market. Fine outlines such as hair or glass cost more, and there are volume discounts for whole catalogues.
For simple subjects there are free online tools with automatic clipping. For fine outlines or a consistent, professional look, however, manual editing by a professional is worth it.