# Clipping path > A hand-drawn vector outline used to cut a product out of its background. Also known as: clipping, vector clipping path. Category: Photography techniques. A clipping path is a closed vector outline drawn around a product in an image editor to cut it out from its background. It gives crisp edges on hard-edged objects but is labour-intensive and struggles with hair, fur or translucent materials. ## How PhotoRobot uses it PhotoRobot describes its glass-plate turntables, such as the [Centerless Table](https://www.photorobot.com/robots/centerless-table) and [CASE 850](https://www.photorobot.com/robots/case-850), as enabling product photography with no clipping required, and its glossary articles describe automatic alpha channel masking replacing manual clipping paths. ## Related terms - [Background removal](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/background-removal): Separating the product from its background so it can be placed on pure white or transparency. - [Alpha channel](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/alpha-channel): An extra image channel that stores the transparency of every pixel. - [Optical glass plate](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/optical-glass-plate): A turntable top made of optical glass that can be lit and photographed through, giving shadow-free images. - [Retouching](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/retouching): Manual correction of an image, such as removing dust, blemishes or unwanted elements. ## Where this term appears on photorobot.com Mentioned on 11 pages. Most relevant: - [CASE 850](https://www.photorobot.com/robots/case-850): Build a studio for photography with no clipping necessary, anywhere in 15 minutes. - [CENTERLESS TABLE](https://www.photorobot.com/robots/centerless-table): …to a unique lighting system, the Centerless_Table enables product photography with no clipping required. - [CASE 1300](https://www.photorobot.com/robots/case-1300): No clipping required. - [eCommerce Photography - How to Optimize Production](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/ecommerce-photography): The Centerless Table is a universal solution for shadow-free eCommerce photography of small to large items with no clipping required. - [FRAME](https://www.photorobot.com/robots/frame): This produces quality product photos on a pure white background, while consistent image capture ensures no clipping is required. - [PhotoRobot's Centerless Table, a Motorized Photography Turntable](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/photorobots-centerless-table): No more clipping required in post processing! This provides you with more time to spend on the photography itself and photographing additional products. - [Product Photo Background Removal and Adjustment](https://www.photorobot.com/tutorials/remove-background-product-photos): This includes no-retouch still product photography, 360 + 3D product photography, and 3D model photography – with no clipping necessary. - [The Frame: Next-Generation Motorized Turntable Photography](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/next-gen-motorized-turntable-photography): With double 360° plate rotation, there really is no clipping required for standard still images, spins and photography for 3D models. - [What is Product Photography Automation?](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-product-photography-automation): This ensures clean, web-ready images without the need for manual vector clipping paths. - [What is Robotic Product Photography?](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-robotic-product-photography): Alpha channel masking replaces manual vector clipping paths.