Step-by-Step Guide to Cropping an Image into a Circle in Photoshop

Welcome to another quick and easy Photoshop tutorial where today, I will show you the fastest way to crop an image into a circle.

Whether you're a complete beginner or just looking to speed up your workflow, this guide will walk you through each step to help you achieve the perfect circular crop.

This method is ideal for creating profile pictures, logos, and more! So let’s dive straight in.

Step 1: Import your image into Photoshop

There are several ways to import an image into Photoshop, but the quickest method is to simply drag your image file onto the Photoshop icon.

Alternatively, you can right-click on your image file, select 'Open with,' and then choose 'Photoshop.'

Both methods will open your image directly in the application, ready for editing.

Step 2: Unlock the Layer

In the Layers panel, in the bottom right-hand corner, you'll see a padlock icon next to your image layer. Click the padlock to unlock the layer, allowing you to make edits.

Step 3: Select the Frame Tool

Next, head to the toolbar on the far left-hand side of the screen and select the Frame Tool.

If the Frame Tool isn't visible, click the three dots at the bottom of the toolbar to reveal additional tools, and then select the Frame Tool.

Step 4: Change to Circle Shape

In the top options bar, you’ll see an option to change the Frame Tool from a rectangle to a circle.

Make sure to select the circle shape.

Step 5: Create the Circle Mask

Hold down the Shift key to maintain the perfect circular shape and drag a circle over the part of the image you want to focus on.

In this example, I’m cropping around the face of a woman.

Step 6: Reposition the Image

To adjust the position of the image within the circle mask, select the image layer in the Layers panel and move it until you are happy with the placement.

Step 7: Adjust the Whole Circle

If you need to move the entire circle, click on the mask layer next to the image in the Layers panel and reposition as needed.

Step 8: Make Edits to the Image

If you want to edit your image, that’s no problem. When your circle mask was added to the image layer, it converts it into a ‘smart object’, allowing for non-destructive editing.

Simply double-click the image layer to open it in a new window where you can make further adjustments.

For example, you can adjust the hue/saturation or make other edits as required.

Step 9: Save the Edits

After making your edits, save the document by pressing Command+S (Mac) or Control+S (Windows).

Step 10: Return to the Original Document

Go back to the original document using the tabs towards the top left side of your screen.

Within the your original document, you will see the updates reflected in your circular crop.

Within the next part of this blog, I will guide you through how to export your circular crop as a PNG.

Step 11: Crop the Composition

Before we export, we need to crop our composition.

Press C on your keyboard to select the Crop Tool. Adjust the composition to focus on your circular crop as needed.

Step 12: Export as PNG

Go to File > Export > Export for Web (Legacy).

In the export window, change the format to PNG-24 to maintain transparency.

Step 13: Save the File

Save your newly cropped image to your desired location.

This will preserve the transparency around the circle, perfect for use in various projects like this example below.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can easily crop any image into a circle in Photoshop.

This technique is great for creating profile pictures, logos, and more. If you found this tutorial helpful, please share it with others and check out my video tutorial for a visual guide.

For more Photoshop tips and tutorials, subscribe to my channel and stay tuned for more!