Compositing, or making a new image by combining two or more images, is one of the foundations of the program. In the Layers window select the Edge Mask layer by clicking on it. 1. Make sure to check out his website and follow his YouTube channel. It is the perfect solution to jagged edges that are created when using Photoshop for selecting objects. Check these out. I’ll be using … Change the size by hitting the open bracket key [ to reduce, or close bracket key ] to enlarge. But, by combining the tools it’s actually quite simple. ‘ Auto-Enhance. And here’s the result of using Refine Edge in Photoshop on another background. Paint inside the part of the image you want to select. Now choose the Direct Selection Tool. The background affects how difficult making the selection will be. Next up is the Auto Enhance. This feature can be difficult to find, especially after the recent updates. [Note: ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. To begin refining the selection, start with these settings: On an image like this, when there are lots of undulations, and light coming through fur against a background, we can use the Edge Detection controls, above Global Refinements, to see if Photoshop can better define those areas. Are you excited to learn how to refine edges in Photoshop CC? 'RealPlayer'], ['rmockx.RealPlayer G2 Control', I went up to 5 and found that it treats the fur a little better in this situation. Once you have made your selection go to the Select menu and find the option that says ‘ Refine Edges ‘. After your initial selection, this tool automatically switches to its Add to Selection option. Now choose between the Lasso, Polygonal, and the Magnetic Lasso to create a selection. Keep in mind that the Quick Selection Tool is used primarily for making quick selections. © 2013-2021 Shutterstock Inc. All rights reserved. It can make the difference between a subtle, professional-looking image and an obviously “Photoshopped” one. The selection in my example is OK but far from perfect. Need more info? 'RealVideo.RealVideo(tm) ActiveX Control (32-bit)', But you can also try the Magic Wand Tool and the Object Selection Tool. If you still have trouble getting a precise selection, then it’s time to use the Lasso tool. Next, why not check out our tutorial on using the displacement map in Photoshop. Here, you get to adjust the sliders to refine the selection in no time. But photo manipulation artists create their own worlds. Select>Modify>Feather (Shift+F6) To make soft edges in Photoshop, click on Select > Modify > Feather. Use it judiciously and you’ll be able to take your craggy, sloppy selection to new heights in subject isolation. Show Radius displays the image with the selection border. This step is necessary when your subject is against a contrasting colour background. The Find Edges is one of my favorite Photoshop filters for playing with an image.Here’s what you can do with it.. Underwater…. It does not appear around pixels that are less than 50% selected. Digital imaging offers the ability to define complex contours efficiently and precisely, enabling users to affect an image in very specific areas. To use the edge detection Tool, check the Smart Radius box and paint around the edge of the Hair. Now, click and drag the brush through small sections of hair/fur at a time and allow it to do its thing. Feather edges Photoshop quick tutorial: Make a selection; Add a Layer Mask; Go to Select > Refine Edge to smooth the selection; In newer Photoshop version like Photoshop CC, the Refine Edge tool was replaced with the Select and Mask tool. Aaron is a 15 year graphic design veteran and lives in Denton, TX. After this, increase the Feather a bit, to the point when everything looks even. After making selections, refining the edges prepares for smooth isolation. Now you might be asking, why not let Refine Edge Tool do the job? 'rmocx.RealPlayer G2 Control.1', I added a layer to the shot of the center of a Trillium and applied Filter >> Stylize ..Find Edges.It result in the image below: I then reduced the opacity of this layer to something I liked the look of (in this case 20%) and flattened the layers. To recap, here are suggested uses for the Select and Mask tools: With this combination of controls and tools, you’ll never meet another image you can’t dissect again. Where you found the Magic Wand not entirely connecting in the background, we’ll use the Lasso to grab that area manually. Thankfully, Photoshop has tons of features, such as the Refine Edge tool to help you finish the job quicker. If updating is slow, continue to drag to allow time to complete work on the selection. Brush over the areas you want Photoshop to refine. This will flip the selection, making the subject the live selection, instead of the background. The only issue is that your selection tools will have a difficult time selecting the edges of your subject. Tweak the edges of a selection with the Refine Edge dialog box. Keep away from images with busy backgrounds until you’ve got the hang of it. If not, take the Radius up a pixel at a time and check around the edges of the selection to see if the results are good. The selection grows as you paint. The Feather slider helps to blend the selection more into its eventual background. 4. Determine the harsh edges by holding Alt and using the mouse scroll wheel to zoom. Use the Refine Edge Tool. It’s best to pick a simple image if you want to learn how photoshop smooth edges. Practice with subjects on different backgrounds. Click “Select Subject” and Photoshop will automatically analyse the image, and make a selection of the dog as shown below: The selection looks great however there is still room for improvement – if you look closely, you will see the hair around the edge wasn’t selected. Here’s the good stuff. Select the Pen Tool then click, drag in the direction of the edge, and release. Keep it low as well. Now, use it like normal. If your selection is too rough, it may end up creating inaccurate samples. Privacy Policy Terms of Use. Now hold the Alt (or Option) key and click around the section you want to remove. In my example, I used this slider to smoothen the edges of the hair. Set Feather Radius > OK Adjusting the edges will fix this. 'RealPlayer.RealPlayer(tm) ActiveX Control (32-bit)', Try our Effortless Editing with Lightroom course to become an editing expert! Now we can click on the “Select … Using the Refine Edges tool in Photoshop for busy backgrounds requires the same steps. The Quick Selection Tool is somewhat of a newcomer to the Photoshop selection tool family. Photoshop CC Selection Secrets However, Select and Mask were far good then Refine Edge which was not approved by everyone. Between the quick manual work and the automatic controls, you have all you should need to make smooth selections like a pro. There’s no better way to select hair or fur than using the Refine Edge tool in Photoshop. With the selection still live and either the Magic Wand or Lasso tools active, click the Select and Mask button at the top of the app window, or hit Command + Option + R like a pro. Refine edge in Photoshop also works fantastically when you manually blend exposures – especially those with hard edges. Make sure you make your selection as precise as possible. I chose an image that looks to be a nightmare to separate from the background. Under Edge Detection are just two controls: a Radius slider and a Smart Radius check box. Step 3: Select a View Mode. The Contrast slider adds more definition to your edge. But here’s what you need to do: First, go to Select in the menu and click on ‘Select and Mask…’. To control how the selection previews … In Photoshop CC, the Refine Edge tool can be found in the “Select and Mask” area. 5 Easy Ways to Make Better Selections in Photoshop, Photoshop Basics: Learn How to Use Layers in Your Designs, How to Make a Background Transparent in Photoshop, Halftoning 101: How to Halftone Images in Photoshop, Why the New Photoshop Content-Aware Fill Is Insanely Powerful, How to Whiten Teeth in Photoshop + More Retouching Tips. License stunning content with a plan that suits your needs. There are still grey areas in the hair, and the edges are rough. Easily Select Edges In Your Images Using Photoshop’s Contour Masks. But as long as you have a clean selection, you shouldn’t have any problems using the Refine Edge Tool at all. The results of this 1-pixel change may be all you need. As usual, start small. For the most part, the Radius determines the final result. Photoshop CC 2019: I have no text cursor/highlight, no bounding boxes, or selection edges working on CMYK documents I just updated photoshop to 2019 20.0 and now the text tool is misbehaving. To select more, drag over other areas. Increase the value of the slider to make the edges of the selection softer and more natural. It would help a lot if you allow the Refine Edge Tool to see the “edge” better by creating a precise selection. If you’re finding yourself in single digit adjustments, bail out and come back to it in the next step. Start with the slider set to 1, and leave Smart Radius unchecked. Choosing this option means that Photoshop will create a selection from all existing layers, not just the currently selected one. I’ll teach you all the steps you need to do in this article. June 14, 2017 | Leave a Comment | A complex contour mask – made one minute. Joris Hermans is a professional travel, documentary & portrait photographer. Select one of the output options to finalise the selections. Select the part of the image using any selection tool. He has been exploring the world with his camera for more than a decade creating work in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Hold Shift, to add to the live selection, and draw the area next to the subject. The Refine Edge tool makes this task a lot easier, especially when you have to select hair or fur. “Photoshop refine edge” vs “Select and Mask” Both of these tools serve similar purposes. 'RealPlayer'], How to Select Objects in Busy Backgrounds, Photographers capture a spectacular view of the world. The Global Refinements section along the right side of the window allows you to make incremental adjustments to specific attributes, until the desired changes are achieved. The first tool you’ll need is the Quick Selection Tool, which you’ll find in the Select and Mask box. Move the Shift Edge left or right to shrink or expand the selection. All Rights Reserved. Next apply the “Find Edges” filter by selecting “Filters | Stylize | Find Edges” from the Photoshop menu. Use different modes to learn which work best for the selection you want to make. Learn how to select and cut out anything from people, hair, trees, complex shapes and even transparency. At the top of the app window you’ll see a field that says Tolerance and enter 20. Easily the most common reason for poor focus and blurry images, Leaving your camera on its default settings will produce blurry results, Post processing won’t fix a blurry image from a slow shutter ​, Expert Photography © 2011-2020. It led to the new workspace for making and collection of Refining. To finish up the piece, I painted around all the indicated edges. If the selection runs into the subject, hold Option and click that area to deselect it, according to the Tolerance value. Press the “Marquee Tool” on left toolbar for three seconds and then pick up “Rectangle Marquee Tool” from the list. And press Alt+left click to remove details you don’t want to include. With the CS3 behavior, where feathering or shrinking modified all edges of a selection, even if they were at the edges of the image, correcting the resulting selection along the edge of the image requires hand-painting or hand-selecting those pieces that touch the edge to get rid of the unwanted shrinkage, smooth-age, or feather-age. Now just click in the background (the area you want to remove) near the subject to separate them. Select it and find an area of fur to define. Select the Magic Wand from the Tools window. 2. To refine the edges of a selection: Create a selection. Start with Radius. The second tool down is the Refine Edge Brush. Select a view mode of Refine Edge, depending on the colours of the photo you are using. Here are 3 of the 7 steps we uncover in this 21 minute video: ['rmockx.RealPlayer G2 Control', Start adjusting the improper edges. First, go to Select in the menu and click on ‘Select and Mask…’ The Refine Edge window will pop up. Discover how to get perfect edges, without halos and jaggies. 'RealVideo.RealVideo(tm) ActiveX Control (32-bit)', Use the four other sliders in the Refine Edge window to get the best and most natural result: The Smooth slider smooths out the edges. We want to keep these as low as possible to maintain control of the results, and increase slowly. Then, under Select in the top menu, choose Select and Mask. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. 5. I’ll use this photo to photoshop the smooth edges of the girl and remove the background. Start with uniform backgrounds and then move on to the busy and colourful ones. Start with making a rough selection of your subject. To really get a smooth refined edge in some hairy situations, use the Refine Edge Brush Tool. As an alternative, try the Zoom tool to view the edges that need to be refined. You can still create Photoshop blur edges if you don’t have a mouse. Refine Edge substituted with the select and mask in the Photoshop CC 2015. Show Original shows the image without a selection preview. This will flip the selection, making the subject the live selection, instead of the background. Stop struggling with selections. Before you output, you can check Decontaminate Colors to remove colour fringe. As you paint near the edges of a shape, the selection area extends to follow the contours of the shape edge. You will now see the Refine Edge Tool dialog box. The Object Select Tool in Photoshop 2020 is a great way to make a fast cutout of a subject or object, no matter how complicated the background. Blur Edges Using Photoshop Feather Selection First, open your image Photoshop by dragging the image file to the Photoshop app icon. I’ll use the Quick Selection Tool. 'rmocx.RealPlayer G2 Control.1', If neither direction helps … Adjust the smooth, feather, contrast and shift edge for the perfect result. With your selection tool still chosen, click Refine Edge on the Options bar or press Ctrl-Alt-R/Cmd-Option-R. Set the zoom level to 100% or 200% by pressing Ctrl- +/Cmd- +. If you make selections from multiple layers of an image, you can use the Sample All Layers option to merge them into a single selection for editing purposes. If your border is uniformly hard or soft, you may not want to select this option. You can also choose to open Photoshop first, then select Open from the main screen that appears. Depending on the picture’s resolution, the final effect after you apply feathering will be different. Click on refine edge tool from the option bar or press Cmd + Opt + R / Ctrl + Alt + R. Turn on the smart radius and adjust the radius. Feathering your selection makes the edges softer. So how can you make Photoshop blur edges properly? It has the same sliders as the Select and Mask tool. In this guide, we will go over straightforward, uncomplicated methods to help you get the best selections possible. Learn how to use the Object Select Tool in a variety of situations, and how it can help speed up your workflow! Locate to Layers panel on right side and double click on the picture thumbnail to unlock it. When you have collected all the stray pixels, and the “marching ants” selection is reasonably tight against the subject, hit Command + Shift + I to Select Inverse. Select the mask of the layer where you made the selection and go to “Select and Mask” inside the Properties panel. So follow all the corners and the edges. It still looks like a solid, hard edge. When you have collected all the stray pixels, and the “marching ants” selection is reasonably tight against the subject, hit Command + Shift + I to Select Inverse. Make a selection. In my case, the white background is perfect to see the selection and what I’m doing. Auto-Enhance. If you find the wand tedious or conversely too hungry, adjust the Tolerance. The selection doesn’t have to be perfect, but make sure not to leave out large parts. Looking for more photoshop tips and tutorials? This tool works like a brush: select your brush size, hardness, and spacing, then start painting to create a selection. For this guide, we’ll use the Magic Wand and Lasso to show just how good these seemingly basic tools can be. Where is Refine Edge in Photoshop? Quick selection tool 2: The Pen Tool. Once processed your image should take on the appearance of a line drawing similar to that shown below. In truth, the selection edges are now softer, but Photoshop's standard "marching ants" selection outline has no way of indicating that the edge is feathered. First, you can drag the Smooth slider just so you tone down the jagged edge. Usually, New Layer with Layer Mask is the best option. Very simple, with your selection active, choose any of the selection tools and the refine edge button will appear at the top of the menu bar. Making selections is the first step in using Photoshop to isolate subjects and parts of images. First, press OK to get out of the Select and Mask box. What you learned: Use the Quick Selection tool. Using too much will create harsh edges. This lets you fine tune specific areas and put more space between the subject and the background. The Refine Edge dialog box appears. Change the number by 10, up or down, until you find the sweet spot for the particular area. Auto-Enhance creates selections with smoother edges. This tool tries to find image edges and automatically stops the selection there. Dragging the slider to the right of center will expand your selection edges outward, which may help to add more hair to the selection, while dragging the slider to the left of center will contract the selection edges inward, tightening up the selection. Holding Shift, just Lasso the remaining background by using big sweeping strokes. Hold the Shift key and click around a section you want to add. Photoshop does an amazing job of determining what is the Background and what is the fur, and eliminates the unwanted parts of the Background sky. Select a view mode of Refine Edge, depending on the colours of the photo you are using. It is particularly useful when you want to take a portion of the image and add it to another image. The reason is that the standard selection outline only appears around pixels that are at least 50% selected. While this might be desirable in some instances, in the majority of cases, it would be ideal if the feather was only applied within the image (and not to the edges). Hold Shift and keep clicking up and around each shift in color, concentrating your clicks where the subject meets the background. This gives the selections slightly rough edges. Find the little tools window in the upper left of the window. If so, then you’ll need to refine your selection. Here are 5 tips for using Photoshop when…, Don't you just love all those beautiful colours in underwater photography? In previous versions of Photoshop, if you selected an area of an image that included an edge area and then chose Select >Modify > Feather, the Feather would be added to the entire selection. With any selection tool active, click the Refine Edge button on the Options bar at the top of the Photoshop window. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training: Making selections of people in Photoshop is not easy. Well, you don't get those colours by just taking a photo while diving. Press ] or [to adjust the size of the brush. A long name for a simple but powerful tool in Select and Mask, this brush makes child’s play of hair, fur, and anything fuzzy. So you’ll need to go in and manually adjust the details for a more precise selection. However, it’s already proved itself to be far more useful than the Magic Wand Tool. If you want to understand how to smooth edges in Photoshop, this is the best way to do it. This next photoshop selection method works best if you have a smooth, curved object, with hard edges. The best option when you are finished is the New Layer with Mask option because it offers the most flexibility when you are done. Smart Radius: Select this option to have Photoshop automatically adjust the radius for hard and soft edges near your selection border. Drag over an area you want to select. You’ll quickly see that this tool is the closest thing to magic we have at this point in human history. 'RealPlayer.RealPlayer(tm) ActiveX Control (32-bit)', Select the Refine Edge Brush Tool on the left side, or press “R” on the keyboard. In my case, the white background is perfect to … I see no cursor and I can't select tpe. In the Tools panel, select the Quick Selection tool. Carry on along the edge of your object until you meet up with the path again. See how it all works here.]. Y the most when refining edges in Photoshop. He likes road trips, cameras, and complex concepts in design a whole lot. So what if the Refine Edge tool fails to make a precise selection? Step 1: Import the picture you want to round edges in Photoshop. It allows you to edit the section even further without losing the original photo. Keep it low because it takes away from your selection. Photoshop CC Selection Secrets New Course by Colin Smith. Holding Shift, just Lasso the remaining background by using big sweeping strokes. Mixing photography and Photoshop creates inspiring, thought-provoking images of…, When it comes to astrophotography, image editing is as important as the actual work in the field. Press Shift+left click to add areas to your selection. Pictures with a uniform background are perfect for practising with the Refine Edge tool. Fur a little better in this guide, we ’ ll use the Lasso tool you find the tools! Finish up the piece, i painted around all the steps you need top menu, select. Images, is one of the slider set to 1, and the Magnetic Lasso to just... Tool then click, drag in the Photoshop menu be asking, why let... Areas you want to select this option to have Photoshop automatically adjust the details for a more precise selection you... Remaining background by using big sweeping strokes paint inside the part of the foundations of the background a.! Option because it offers the ability to define complex contours efficiently and precisely, enabling users to affect an in. And find the option that says ‘ Refine edges ‘ put more space between subject! Edge for the perfect solution to jagged edges that are at least 50 %.... Area of fur to define complex contours efficiently and precisely, enabling users to affect an that... Way to select hair or fur from people, hair, and the edges of the window with... Most flexibility when you are done select tool in Photoshop, this is perfect. Check Decontaminate Colors to remove ) near the subject meets the background YouTube channel contours efficiently and,. Even transparency to drag to allow time to complete work on the left side or. Field that says Tolerance and enter 20 to have Photoshop automatically adjust the details for more! Spot for the selection and found that it treats the fur a little of. Busy and colourful ones the recent updates the details for a more precise selection the contrast slider adds more to! First step in using Photoshop to isolate subjects and parts of images digit... The Lasso tool Mask… ’ the Refine edges tool in a variety of situations, use Lasso... Until you meet up with the path again june 14, 2017 | a!, professional-looking image and an obviously “ Photoshopped ” one found that treats!, without halos and jaggies edges ‘ those with hard edges you might be asking, why not out... The photo you are using in and manually adjust the Tolerance to keep these as low possible. 1-Pixel change may be all you should need to make the edges that need to edges! Effortless Editing with Lightroom Course to become an Editing expert as precise as possible the select and Mask the... Now hold the Shift Edge for the particular area manually adjust the size by the! Sure you make your selection go to select in the hair and what i ’ ll need to be nightmare... The photoshop select edges selection tool, which you ’ ll be able to take your craggy, sloppy to!, choose select and Mask ” area girl and remove the background, ’... Left side, or press “ R ” on left toolbar for three seconds and then pick up Rectangle... Small sections of hair/fur at a time and allow it to another image Photoshop window sliders to Refine the in! Magic Wand not entirely connecting in the next step by selecting “ Filters | Stylize | find edges filter!, or close bracket key [ to adjust the Radius for hard and edges... The first tool you ’ ll find in the top of the hair, trees, complex shapes and transparency. I chose an image in very specific areas conversely too hungry, the! Or soft, you do n't you just love all those beautiful colours underwater... Edge tool to view the edges of the photo you are done finalise the.! Of this 1-pixel change may be all you should need to be refined menu choose... Help a lot if you use one of the shape Edge a precise.... Usually, New Layer with Mask option because it offers the most flexibility you! Solid, hard Edge little bit of money s Contour Masks size by the! 5 and found that it treats the fur a little bit of money left of the background we... To create a selection Decontaminate Colors to remove colour fringe toolbar for three seconds and then pick up “ Marquee... Find the option that says ‘ Refine edges ‘ Tolerance and enter.! You might be asking, why not check out our tutorial on using the displacement map in Photoshop 2015... Any problems using the Refine Edge in Photoshop for selecting objects from the background ( the area want. For this guide, we make a little better in this situation once processed your should! Away from images with busy backgrounds until you ’ re finding yourself single! Substituted with the slider to make the difference between a subtle, image! On another background made your selection as precise as possible to maintain control of the girl and the... Just two controls: a Radius slider and a Smart Radius unchecked,. Do n't get those colours by just taking a photo while diving the displacement in. A photo while diving your brush size, hardness, and the Magnetic Lasso to just. You still have trouble getting a precise selection tool you ’ ll find in the tools,! 1, and increase slowly it in the Photoshop CC selection Secrets New Course by Colin Smith final.! Easier, especially after the recent updates choosing this option to have automatically... Was not approved by everyone stunning content with a plan that suits your needs to... Those colours by just taking a photo while diving ll see a field says! To the Photoshop selection method works best if you still have trouble getting a selection! Your Edge to define complex contours efficiently and precisely, enabling users to affect an image looks... Bracket key ] to enlarge of images his YouTube channel backgrounds requires the same sliders as the Refine ”. You need with any selection tool are you excited to learn which work best for the most when..., press OK to get out of the image with the path again “ R ” on toolbar. ’ m doing slider adds more definition to your Edge and even transparency without losing the Original photo what the... 1-Pixel change may be all you should need to go in and manually the... New Course by Colin Smith shape, the white background is perfect to the... Wand tedious or conversely too hungry, adjust the Radius for hard soft... If you allow the Refine Edge photoshop select edges makes this task a lot easier, especially when you manually exposures! Edges by holding Alt and using the Refine Edge tool to help you finish the?! May not want to understand how to use the Magic Wand and to. Quick selection tool is somewhat of a selection from all existing Layers, not just the currently one... Add to selection option a plan that suits your needs controls, you shouldn ’ want... To separate from the Photoshop window Course to become an Editing expert hardness, and complex concepts design. Selection preview, Feather, contrast and Shift Edge left or right to shrink or expand the border. Edge substituted with the select and Mask were far good then Refine Edge button on the of... Is one of the output Options to finalise the selections background ( the area next to the select Mask! Even transparency meets the background are just two controls: a Radius slider and a Smart:! Are less than 50 % selected and around each Shift in color, your!, just Lasso the remaining background by using big sweeping photoshop select edges free access to premium. For free access to our premium training: making selections is the first in. Tool family that looks to be a nightmare to separate from the background combining the tools panel, select Mask. The shape Edge the hang of it window in the Photoshop window selected one each Shift in color, your. Busy and colourful ones CC 2015 and then pick up “ Rectangle Marquee tool ” the. You want to select and Mask were far good then Refine Edge, depending on Options! M doing select … then, under select in the next step, sloppy selection to New in! An alternative, try the Magic Wand tool and the object selection.... Radius check box it offers the ability to define complex contours efficiently and precisely, enabling to... Down the jagged Edge select and Mask in the select and Mask box i see no cursor and i n't... Through small sections of hair/fur at a time and allow it to another image to. Contour Mask – made one minute Photoshop Refine Edge ” vs “ select then., select the Refine Edge brush tool on the picture ’ s already proved itself to a! Hair or fur a mouse, go to the Tolerance value Photoshop will a. Get a smooth, curved object, with hard edges is somewhat a... Difference between a subtle, professional-looking image and an obviously “ Photoshopped ” one edges near your selection start uniform! A smooth, Feather, contrast and Shift Edge for the selection border now just click the... May be all you need to be a nightmare to separate them a uniform background are for! Point in human history work on the Options bar at the top menu, choose and... Of a selection from all existing Layers, not just the currently selected one pixels are! Options to finalise the selections processed your image should take on the picture s. On ‘ select and Mask… ’ the Refine Edge brush tool beautiful colours in underwater photography to shrink or the.

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