• Smart selection in photoshop cs6. How to cut out a complex object in Photoshop

    Knowing how to properly create and modify selections is an important skill for any Photoshop user. In this tutorial, we'll look at ways to modify selections in Photoshop. Here you can read about the main combinations that will greatly help simplify the process of working with selected areas; we will also consider selection tools, mode quick mask and Selection panel options.

    Lesson details:

    • Estimated completion time: 23 minutes
    • Difficulty level: beginning
    • Program: Adobe Photoshop CS6

    End result:

    1.Basic combinations:

    The following combinations for creating selections are basic:

    1. Add a new one to the selected area(by holding Shift and using the selection tools, you can add new areas to an existing area)
    2. Subtract from a selection(to do this you need to hold Alt/Option)
    3. Intersection area(to create an area where two selections intersect, you need to hold down Alt/Option and Shift at the same time)
    4. Select all(using the combination Ctrl/Cmd + A you can select the entire canvas)
    5. Deselect(to remove the selected area, you need to press Ctrl / Cmd + D)
    6. Revert selection(to return the previous selected area, you need to press Ctrl combination/Cmd + Shift + D)
    7. Invert selection(by pressing the combination Ctrl / Cmd + Shift + I, you can swap the selected and unselected area)
    8. Move the selected area can be used using the arrow keys on the keyboard
    9. Selected area perfect circle or square can be created using the appropriate selection tools by holding Shift)
    10. To create a selection, starting from the center need to hold Alt/Option

    2.

    The saved selections may be useful later. The selected area can be saved in channels. A selection saved in an alpha channel can be loaded at any time.

    3.Transforming a selection

    This function will allow you to edit only the selected area, but not the content of the layer. This can be very useful when we need to create a distorted selection. To change the selection, you can hold down Ctrl button/ Cmd and drag anchor points, or use the warp functions.

    4.Quick Mask mode

    This is very convenient function to make changes to the selected area. To enter the quick mask mode, you need to click on the button in the lower toolbar, or the Q key. You can exit the mode in a similar way. After you enter Quick Mask mode, you will see that the selected area remains unchanged, and the rest of the image is shaded red. You can change the settings by double-clicking on the quick mask icon. To create the desired selections, in this mode you must work with gradients and brushes. Using black as the foreground window color will allow you to remove an area from the selection, using white will help increase the selection.

    5. Magic wand, quick selection, adjacent pixels and similar shades

    Magic Wand is a classic Photoshop tool. It allows you to create a selection based on the similarity of neighboring pixels. The Quick Selection tool is hidden in the toolbar and is somewhat similar to the Magic Wand. This tool takes the form of brushes and with a simple stroke you can create the selection you want. The name of the tools: adjacent pixels (grow) and similar shades (similar) speaks for itself.

    6. Feathering

    This function allows you to soften the edges of a selected area. Depending on the desired softening, you need to select the appropriate size of the softened area.

    7. Refine Edge

    Very powerful tool to create a selection. Here you will find a lot useful settings, which are useful when creating selected areas with small details. Here you'll find Smart Radius, Clear Color, offset selection edge option, and more.

    8. Shrink/Expand

    The function allows you to shrink or expand the selected area by a specified number of pixels.

    9. Border

    One of the least common selection functions. It allows you to create a ring-like frame around your previous selection.

    10. Color Range

    One of many people's favorite selection tools. It is somewhat similar to a magic wand, but by working with it, you can more precisely control the selected area. The main difference from the magic wand is the ability to immediately see the resulting mask, as well as further adjustment of pixels that did not fall within the set threshold.

    Translation – Desk

    One of the main problems when creating a photo montage is certainly the high-quality selection of an object in one photograph and transferring it to another image. And if there are objects containing hair or animal fur, then the problem is even greater, since not all Photoshop users know how to correctly select such an object.
    In this lesson on working with photoshop We will show you a simple way to separate an object from a background that has an almost uniform background with slight color transitions. It would seem nothing complicated, you can apply " Magic wand"(W) or " Quick selection" (W), but the task is complicated by the fact that the color of the cut-out object very much matches the background color and, as you understand, this is the problem of selecting an object in the image. The technique outlined in this lesson, of course, does not claim to be universal, but in some cases it can greatly help you. So how to select an object in photoshop?

    Let's open the original image. How easy it is to notice a girl's hair is close in color to the background color. What's the best way to highlight them?

    Let's create a duplicate layer - Ctrl+J.

    Now our task is to select the girl along the contour. Let's go to "".

    In the window of the same name, first of all, click on the middle icon depicting an eyedropper with a plus sign (make it active). Then we add a background around the girl right in the window preview color range, and then move the “Scatter” slider in one direction or another so that the result is a white background and a “black” girl. This, of course, is ideal; regardless of the color range settings, you will be left with black spots on white and vice versa, white spots on black. You can see my result in the screenshot below. Click "Ok".

    The selection we created in the previous step is loaded. As you can see, it is far from ideal.

    In the “Layers” palette, click on the third icon from the left and a layer mask will be loaded onto the top layer in accordance with the previously created selection.

    To see the layer mask itself directly, we must hold down the Alt key and click on the thumbnail of the mask itself. We will only work with her.

    Our task is to make the background absolutely white, and the silhouette of the girl absolutely black. I select the "Brush" tool (B), the foreground color is white, the default brush settings and I paint over the black spots on the background around the girl (I highlighted them in yellow). Please note that I am not going close to the outline of the girl; we will process these places in a different way.

    After painting the background with white, set the brush blending mode to “Overlay” and “walk” the brush along the contour of the girl. At the same time, you will notice that the contour will be leveled out, the black spots on the white background located next to the contour will disappear, and the black color of the girl herself will practically not suffer.

    This is what I got after working with a brush. You see that the background around the girl has become white and the contour (from the background side) is aligned.

    Again, change the blending mode of the brush to “Normal”, but set the foreground color to black. We outline the girl’s figure in black, but do not get close to her contours.

    As you probably already guessed, the next step is to switch the brush blending mode to “Overlay” and work with the brush inside the girl, along her contour. Thus, we achieved what we set out to do - create a clear black and white mask.

    Now, holding down the Alt key, click on the layer mask (a color image of a girl will appear), then holding down the Ctrl key, click on the same mask again (load a selection) and invert the selection - Shift+Ctrl+I.

    Left-click on the thumbnail of the top layer (with the mask), i.e. Make the layer itself active, not the mask. Press the key combination Ctrl+J - the selection will be copied to new layer.

    We remove the two bottom layers by simply dragging them onto the trash can icon (far right icon).

    We get a girl separated from the background. You and I answered the question: “?”.

    Compare the before and after picture of the girl photo processing in photoshop.

    Making collages has become a very popular way of creativity. For this, graphic editors are used, with which you can cut out the background and use various plugins to create effects. One such program is Photoshop. Let's sort it out detailed methods removing the background in this editor.

    Photoshop – graphic editor, developed by Adobe Corporation. Has raster and vector support graphics. It integrates with many media processing programs. Users can use this tool for non-linear video editing, animation and special effects.

    The format that Photoshop works with has the extension “PSD” is supported a large number software. Thus, users can import files into many programs for subsequent post-processing.

    All tools are the same for all versions of Photoshop, including the latest ones, starting with CS6.

    How to cut out an object in Photoshop

    Using the Lasso Tool

    Lasso is a tool for selecting an element in a photograph by creating an outline. The lasso will allow you to cut out any object along its contour.

    First, you need to understand what this tool is and describe its types in detail:

    • « Lasso" The usual "Lasso" is one of the most simple ways select the desired object in the picture. It is quite simple to work with it, you just need to press it left button mouse and move the cursor along the contour from the start to the end point;
    • « Straight-line lasso" A tool that allows you to quickly create contours consisting of straight lines. Best suited for highlighting geometric shapes. It’s easy to use, click “LMB” and set the starting point, release the mouse button and move the course further along the contour adding a new mark. In this way, we select the element until the cursor reaches the starting point again;
    • « Magnetic lasso». This function, allows you to quickly and accurately create a contour. Most precise definition Magnetic lasso is a tool for automatic edge recognition. The algorithm of its work is that it tries to recognize the edges of an object by finding differences in brightness, saturation, and contrast.

    How to cut an image:

    The tool will allow you to quickly and accurately cut out an element from an image or part of a picture. It is worth noting that the user himself controls all the features of object selection, adjusting the necessary mask parameters.

    Quick selection

    This tool allows you to quickly select an object in a photo. It should be noted that the method cannot guarantee 100% results, because in the best possible way works only on contrasting elements.

    How to cut:

    Erase the background with the Eraser

    The method involves removing the background without creating a selection outline. The disadvantage of the eraser is the fact that the user practically cannot set any parameters. Edge refinement (smoothing or sharpening) cannot be performed.

    The process is quite simple:

    The effect of using a magic wand is observed only in those photographs that have a neutral background in relation to the cut out object. It is best if the background is white or gray.

    Cutting out complex objects

    For cutting complex elements the best option will use the tool " Levels" With its help, you can select edges and cut out those objects that have a non-uniform structure, for example, animal fur, hair, the crown of trees, a person, a face, etc.

    Procedure:

    Pen tool

    Using the stylus, you can select quite complex objects that have large number details. Professional graphic designers prefer this particular instrument. With its help you can achieve quick results in a small amount of time.

    Procedure:

    Select Subject Tool

    The tool is new development Adobe company. He uses artificial intelligence For quick selection object. Next, we will consider in detail how to use it. It is important to know that Select Subject is used exclusively in versions PhotoshopCC 2016 and later builds.

    Instructions:

    • open the photo and create a duplicate layer;
    • Select the Quick Selection tool and click " Select Subject»;
    • The object will be automatically selected, then click “ Selectand Mask»;
    • The settings panel will open on the right side. Adjust each slider to your liking and click “OK.”

    Color range

    This method involves selecting elements by color and pattern.


    How to copy an object

    There are several ways to copy a selected object, we will consider them below.

    First way:

    • select the object using one of the methods presented above;
    • then click the key combination “ CTRL+C»;
    • after that, create a new layer and press the key combination “ CTRL+V" The element will be placed on a new layer.

    Second way.

    This option is the simplest; a layer with the selected area will be created automatically. Just select the object and press the key combination " CTRL+J" and it will be placed on a new layer.

    Third method.

    After the desired element in the photo is selected, you must press successively key combination “CTRL+C”, “CTRL+N” “CTRL+V”. The first command is responsible for copying the area to the clipboard. Using the second keyboard shortcut, it will be created new document. The third one inserts an element into a new document.

    How to insert a background

    • open the desired photo and use one of the background removal methods above;
    • invert: “Select” and “Invert”, click “OK”;
    • delete old background using the “Delete” key;
    • open the picture with the background, click “CTRL+C” on the keyboard and paste the image over the cut out element “CTRL+V”;
    • after that drag the background under the layer with the cut out object by holding down the left mouse button.

    How to enlarge or reduce a cut object

    In order to enlarge or reduce the cut out element, you will need to use the “ Transformation»:


    Cutting out geometric shapes

    To cut out geometric shapes we will use the “ Color range»:

    • open the image with geometric shapes and make a duplicate;
    • then select the tab " Selection" and in it open the item "Color range";
    • We configure the parameters: in the “Select” item we use the command “ By samples»;
    • After that, click on the “ Pipette+” and add shade samples. If you are satisfied with the preliminary result, click “Ok”.

    In Photoshop Elements, you can fine-tune a selection using the Refine Edge dialog box (select part of the image, right-click the selection, and choose Refine Edge from context menu). You can also open the Refine Edge dialog box by clicking Select > Refine Edge.

    To open the Refine Edge dialog box on Mac, select a portion of the image, Control-click, and then click Refine Edge.

    View Mode. From the View pop-up menu, choose a viewing mode for the selection. Press F to change from one mode to another.

    Show Radius Tool. Specifies the edge refinement radius.

    Refine Radius Tools And Erase clarification. Precisely adjusts the border area where edge refinement is performed. To quickly switch from one tool to another, use the E key. To change the brush size, use the square brackets.Note. Brush over soft areas (hair or fur) to add detail to the selected area.

    Smart Radius Tool. Automatically adjusts the radius for hard and soft edges detected in the border area. Deselect this option if the entire length of the border has equally sharp or equally fuzzy edges, or if you need more precise control over the radius adjustment and refinement brushes.

    Radius. Determines the size of the border of the selection that is subject to edge refinement. Use a small radius for sharp edges and a large radius for softer edges.

    Smooth. Reduces curved areas (“bumps and valleys”) within a selection's border, creating a smoother outline.

    Feathering. Blurs the transition between the selected area and its surrounding pixels.

    Contrast. Smooth transition edges along the border of a selection appear sharper when zoomed in. In this case, using the Smart Radius tool and the refinement tools will be more effective.

    Shift Edge Tool. Moves soft-edged borders inward with negative values ​​or outward with positive values. Moving these borders inward helps remove unwanted background colors from the edges of the selection.

    Clear Colors Tool. Changes the color border to the color of fully selected nearby pixels. The color replacement effect is calculated in proportion to the softness of the edges of the selection.

    Important information. Because this option changes the color of the pixels, you need to enter it into a new layer or document. Save the original layer so you can return it if necessary (to visually see the change in pixel color, select the “Show Layer” view mode).

    Intensity. Changes the level of edge cleaning and replacement.

    Output to. Determines whether the refined selection becomes a selection or mask on the current layer, or forms a new layer or document.

    How to select an object in Photoshop and separate it from the background with simple and quick ways I will tell you which tools to use in this article.

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    In my work, there are often situations in which it is necessary to transfer an object from one image to another. That is, separate part of the image from the background and then insert another background or insert the selected object onto another image.

    For me, it is most convenient to do these actions in the program. This is a wonderful program for working with images, it has a lot of functionality. It is simple and intuitive to use.

    Since I am often asked not only about how to highlight, but also about how to separate it from the background and into another picture.

    And since you can’t tell about this in a few words, I decided to describe these actions in this article.

    In the first part of the lesson, I will tell you about ways to select an object, and there are not so few of them, rather a lot.

    Pay attention to the left toolbar in the program. Most top tool, resembling an arrow, is the move tool. We will need it in the case when we need to move the image or part of it.

    Below, one by one, are three groups of selection tools.

    The first group includes tools:

    • Rectangular area;
    • Oval area;
    • Horizontal line;
    • Vertical line.

    Second group:

    • Lasso;
    • Straight-line lasso;
    • Magnetic lasso.

    Third group:

    • Quick selection;
    • Wand.

    In addition to these tools, you can select objects using a pen, color range, channels, mask, eraser, and so on. There are a lot of ways to highlight an object, and you can’t describe everything in one article; you can release a full-fledged video course on this topic, which will contain at least 10 lessons.

    Today we will talk about the simplest, easiest ways. If you need to select a geometric object, such as an oval, circle, rectangle or square, then it is easiest to use the first group of tools.

    Setting up tools

    When choosing any tool, pay attention to the top panel, settings for the selected tool will appear there.

    For example, for the oval tool, you can specify:

    • Normal selection;
    • Add to the selected area;
    • Subtract from the selected area;
    • Intersection of selected areas;
    • Shading size;
    • Smoothing;
    • Specify exact size selection, width and height.

    And this way you can customize all available tools.

    Use the tooltips that appear when you hover your mouse over any instrument or its setting.

    Selecting a circular area

    For example, I need to highlight the disc from the cover of Chelpachenko’s course. To make a selection, I'll take the oval tool. then you can simply select the object by holding down the Shift+Alt keys to get smooth circle, and with the mouse dragging the tool on the image.

    Can you measure the diameter of the disk, indicate the dimensions on top panel and click on the picture with the mouse, circle given dimensions will appear immediately.

    Set the selection strictly along the contours of the disk. Right-click in the center of the selection and select Copy to New Layer.

    As a result, our disk appeared on a new layer, without a background. Now you can remove the main layer and trim the extra, empty part of the picture using trimming. To do this, open the image tab and select trimming from the list.

    Selecting complex objects using a lasso group

    Using the principle described above, you can select and free any objects from the background. For each image, you should select the tool that will allow you to make a selection quickly and efficiently.

    For example, the rectangular lasso is useful for selecting shapes with straight sides that have many angles, such as a polygon, star, trapezoid, and so on. You can practice with this picture.

    The magnetic lasso will fit well on any figure if there is a contrasting background. If the figure merges with the background, then it will be difficult for the magnetic lasso to determine the boundary along which to draw the section.

    I cut out this figurine of a gymnast using a magnetic lasso in three minutes, so you can practice it too.

    Quick selection

    When your object is located on a plain background, it is quite easy to remove it using the quick selection tools. To remove the background from an image, remove the lock from the background layer and create a copy of the layer just in case.

    Click on the background with a magic wand and click the "Delete" button. Save the object to PNG format. Example of selection.

    How to select an object in Photoshop and separate it from the background, summary

    I tried to tell you in detail how to select an object in Photoshop and separate it from the background. However, this is such a broad topic that several articles could be written about it. I understand that I might have missed something during the description process, and what I understand can be difficult for a beginner to understand.

    So don't hesitate to ask questions in the comments. If you need advice, don’t be afraid to ask, I will answer everyone.

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