Invisible Ghost Mannequin Effect in Photoshop

Invisible ghost mannequin effect creates a similar look that a real person can give. But, as the mannequin is a human-shaped doll, the impression will not be the same. In photographs, the mannequins look like dummies. So, removing the dummies through graphic editing is necessary. But there is a problem with the operation.

When we remove the mannequin, we make the apparel incomplete. Because the back part behind the mannequin is not visible. So, we need to add the back part to complete the view. For this, we need multiple images of the same garment. The front part, the back part, the back part of the sleeve, the neck part, etc.

Then we remove the mannequin and add the neck parts where they belong. The final image comes out with a ghostly hollow look. And this is the invisible ghost mannequin effect.

Photoshop Tools And Techniques for the Operation

Adobe Photoshop is the most effective program for ghost mannequin editing or any kind of image manipulation. Well, there are other programs you may find. But none of them can perform as Photoshop can. So, we will work with the program that works best.

You will find multiple tools for the operation. Also, you can use techniques to utilize the tools better. Photoshop tools we need for ghost mannequin effects are given below.

  • The Pen Tool
  • The Quick Selection Tool
  • The Lasso Tool
  • Select & Mask Tool
  • Layer Mask
  • Transform Tool
  • Brush Tool
  • Eraser Tool

Work Procedure | Invisible Ghost Mannequin Effect

To start working on the ghost mannequin photoshop operation, we need all the photographs. The photographs should have all the parts required to complete the apparel photo. Then we go for the isolation of the parts from the background.  After that, we go for adding back parts with the front part. So, let’s open Photoshop and add the apparel parts photos in that.

invisible ghost mannequin

Step 1: Align The Image

The first task is to align the image before doing any editing. Alignment is quite important for the ghost effect. Any photographs we take cannot be perfectly aligned with our eyes. If the photographs are for direct presentations, you can ignore them.

But, for the ghost mannequin effect, you must do it for a presentable view. So, we take the front part of the apparel and make the necessary changes with the help of the ‘Warp’ option.

To do so, first, we make a copy of the layer and create some temporary lines that we will follow. To create lines, simply click on the ruler and drag it to the point you need to set. Then we go for the transform tool by pressing Ctrl/Command+T for Win/MAC.

After that, we right-click on the image and select ‘Warp’. After making the necessary changes by click & drag we apply that.

Alignment of Mannequin

Step 2: Clipping Path

Now it is time to create a path. So, we take the Pen Tool and start from a point on the edge. To know more about Clipping Path, please follow our blog on Understanding and Master the Pen Tool in Photoshop.

Here we have created the path for your convenience. We renamed the path to save it. To rename, just double-click on the path and input the name you want. We are leaving the name ‘Path 1’ which is by default.

clipping path

Step 3: Copy Pathed Area to a New Layer

As we are done creating the path, we need to copy the area to a new layer. Press and hold Ctrl/Command for Win/MAC and click on the path to make a selection. Press Ctrl/Command+J for Win/MAC to copy the selection to a new layer. Also, we added a solid color layer right below the copied path.

invisible ghost mannequin effect photoshop

Step 4: Liquify

We do Liquify to cover up spaces that may look incomplete. For the apparel, we need to apply this technique for a better output. To enter the option, go to ‘Filter’ and then ‘Liquify’. You will have the image in another window in Photoshop. We have made some changes that you can see in the below image. When done, press ‘OK’ to continue.

liquify the ghost mannequin

Step 5: Ironing

Ironing makes the apparel look polished. You may have apparel with wrinkles and shade variations here and there. So, you need to do graphical ironing over the apparel. Here we will use the Clone Stamp Tool to correct the imperfections. Well, this is a retouching method.

So, you need to do the editing according to the areas nearby. To use the tool, you need to press and hold Alt/Option for Win/MAC and click for a sample. Then, release and move the pointer to the improper area and click & move. Remember, you need to take a sample multiple times from clean areas.

Otherwise, the process will not give satisfactory results.

ironing the cloths

Step 6: Adding Back Part

Adding the back part is another important step for creating the Invisible Ghost Mannequin Effect. You can select only the required part or add the whole directly. Here, we will add the whole and cut off unnecessary areas by the path. So, we add the back part over the front part and then place it below the front part.

The operation is easy. The addition of the back part takes the top layer automatically. We just need to click and drag the part below the front part layer.

adding back part, invisible ghost mannequin

Step 7: Placing Back Part

Placing the back part according to the front part is a technical matter. We use the Transform tool to do it properly. So, we resize, rotate, and match the front part according to our image. When we are done placing, we press Enter/Return for Win/MAC to apply.

placing back part of mannequin

Step 8: Clipping the Back Part

To clip the back part, we use a copy of the path that we made for the front part. To make a copy of the existing path click and drag the path to the new path icon. Then rename the path as ‘Path 2’. Press & hold Alt/Option for Win/MAC and click on the path.

And this will show the anchor points to work on. Press & hold Ctrl/Command for Win/MAC and click & drag to select the anchor points you need to remove.

anchor points selection

Use the delete button to remove the anchor points. Then, click on the anchor point at the end to work with. After that, click on the other anchor point to complete the path according to the back part.

Anchor Points Photoshop, Invisible Ghost Mannequin Effect

Step 9: Editing The Back Part

As we are done making the path, we press and hold Ctrl/Command for Win/MAC to make a selection. But this time we will invert the selection to remove unwanted areas.

To invert the selection, use Ctrl/Command+Shift+I for Win/MAC. Now, press Delete to remove unwanted areas. Use Ctrl/Command+D for Win/MAC to deselect.

Unwanted Areas Removing Process

Now, we use the ‘Warp’ option on this part and make a curve at the neck point. But the area does not look good. So, we will liquefy after applying the warp.

invisible ghost mannequin tutorial

Now we use Liquify to make the back part resemble the front part. So, we hide the top layer select the back part layer and go to Liquify. Does the liquefication match the texture? So, be very precise with the moves you make. However, if your image does not contain any labels, the operation will be easier. Press OK to continue.

liquify on the back part

Step 10: Adding Shadow

Adding a shadow below the front panel makes the effect realistic. So, we will add a shadow. For the apparel, we will use a Drop Shadow. We double-click on the front part layer and select Drop Shadow. We make changes to the settings as below. Press OK to continue. You can stop at this point or go for removing the shadows outside of the apparel.

Adding Shadow Process

Step 11: Removing Outer Shadow

To remove the outer shadow, first, you need to separate the Drop Shadow from the layer. Right-click on the Drop Shadow and select ‘Create Layer’. Select this layer press and hold Ctrl/Command for Win/MAC and click on the ‘Path 2’. And this will make a selection.

Use Ctrl/Command+Shift+I for Win/MAC to make an invert selection. Press Delete to remove the outer shadow. Use Ctrl/Command+D for Win/MAC to deselect.

Removing Outer Shadow of Mannequin

Step 12: Save

When you are done with all the steps above, it’s time to save the image. Before saving, check the whole image one more time. If any impurities are found, correct them following the steps. Then, save the file in “PSD” format for further editing if required. You can also select the TIFF format. And this format also contains all the layers and paths. Let’s see the before and after images.

invisible ghost mannequin effect

Conclusion| Mannequin Photoshop Tutorial

Invisible Ghost Mannequin Effect opens up the opportunity for an amazing apparel presentation. Well, this doesn’t mean that there is no other way to do so. But, doing it by the effect gives your apparel a smart look. Also, you can save enough money by not using live models.

But, still, live models are important for advertisements. And it is good for business. So, if you have a business of garments or apparel, you will need both live models and Ghost Effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Get the Ghost Mannequin Effect?

To get the Ghost Mannequin Effect, we remove the mannequin for a starter. Then, we add the back part of the apparel and create a shadow to give that an original look.

Why Ghost Mannequin Effect is Important?

The ghost Mannequin Effect is important for the apparel presentation. In fact, this operation is an alternative to real humans. The most important part is the cost. The ghost Mannequin Effect is quite cost saving compared to human models.

Where Can I Get the Best Ghost Mannequin Effect Service?

For the best Invisible Ghost Mannequin Effect service, join Clipping World. We provide 100% quality, affordable low price, and quick turnaround for all projects.

Scroll to Top