Etching vs. Clipping Path - Get the Background Out

Some designers may use the term etching to mean a clipping path. As some forum members ascertained, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably to refer to the processing of removing or hiding the background of an image. It probably derives from another process of actually removing the background portion of a metal printing plate with acid or other means. However, the more common term for the electronic process is clipping path.