Photoshop question
 

How does one "cut" a model out of a backfround in photoshop? I have tried several things, but all gave a bit jagged edges, and I was wondering if there is any special tool or technique to do this.

Anyone?

Silly question cuz its one of the 1st things you should learn in PS, but whatever, we are all n00bs at one time or another.


Use the selection tool, (try the polygonal 'lasso' one), and just trace an outline over whatever you want to cut out. Try a full outline to where you started the outline. Once you complete the trace, the area you outlined should be selected. You go boy. Now select the move tool (should be the black arrow on the top right of the tool bar, in PS7). Now using that just grab the shit you outlined, and drag it into a new file or wherever you wanted to put it.

If you plan on doing a lot of this tracing shit, I suggest getting a LOgitech trackball marble mouse. It makes tracing incredibly easy, as opposed to a standard-type mouse where if you are tracing a lot of shit and picking up and moving the mouse to reposition your trace , can fuck shit up. :2 cents: :2 cents:

oh yea, if you are using the tool I said and your getting jagged edges, then you are not tracing close enough. What also helps is the color background your putting the trace over, because some colors will show more how much your tracing sucks then others.

Id like to know some techniques as well. I think Ive been going about the task the hard way.


Ive always used the "Magic Wand" to remove most of the background. Followed by the "Lasso Tool" to remove more detailed stuff. Finaly using a very small "Paint Brush" I get rid of any exta background stuff.

Is there an easier way?

EDIT: this post is in reply to the topic starter, and the person quoted above. I sort of mashed the two replies together. Sorry.

You will almost always get a jagged edge with the "magic wand" tool, in 5.5 anyway. Use the Lasso or Polygonal Lasso tool. I like to use the later, it seems to work the best, and you don't have to worry about catching every pixel. I cut them from the second layer so the negative space is transperant.

I don't know of any easier way. After you get the hang of it it's quick and easy to do, and you will always get the results you want.

Hair is another story. If the background is light, and the subject's hair is dark, you will most likely have to go back and adjust the color of the edges.:)

Or you can use PS6-7, and use the "Extract" tool. Highlight the edge, and use "Smart Highlighting". Then fill the highlighted area with the highlight paint bucket.

It's much faster than using the lasso.