He has been exploring the world with his camera for more than a decade creating work in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. But you can also try the Magic Wand Tool and the Object Selection Tool. The first tool you’ll need is the Quick Selection Tool, which you’ll find in the Select and Mask box. First, press OK to get out of the Select and Mask box. Hold the Shift key and click around a section you want to add. Now choose between the Lasso, Polygonal, and the Magnetic Lasso to create a selection. Determine the harsh edges by holding Alt and using the mouse scroll wheel to zoom. 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. Quick selection tool 2: The Pen Tool. I chose an image that looks to be a nightmare to separate from the background. 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). 5. Under Edge Detection are just two controls: a Radius slider and a Smart Radius check box. But, by combining the tools it’s actually quite simple. Once you have made your selection go to the Select menu and find the option that says ‘ Refine Edges ‘. Tweak the edges of a selection with the Refine Edge dialog box. 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. Between the quick manual work and the automatic controls, you have all you should need to make smooth selections like a pro. Show Original shows the image without a selection preview. Now, use it like normal. If you’re finding yourself in single digit adjustments, bail out and come back to it in the next step. This lets you fine tune specific areas and put more space between the subject and the background. 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. If your selection is too rough, it may end up creating inaccurate samples. Now, click and drag the brush through small sections of hair/fur at a time and allow it to do its thing. 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. 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. 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. It is the perfect solution to jagged edges that are created when using Photoshop for selecting objects. First, you can drag the Smooth slider just so you tone down the jagged edge. You’ll quickly see that this tool is the closest thing to magic we have at this point in human history. 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. It is particularly useful when you want to take a portion of the image and add it to another image. In the Layers window select the Edge Mask layer by clicking on it. Make a selection. 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. In this guide, we will go over straightforward, uncomplicated methods to help you get the best selections possible. Now just click in the background (the area you want to remove) near the subject to separate them. To really get a smooth refined edge in some hairy situations, use the Refine Edge Brush Tool. You will now see the Refine Edge Tool dialog box. Start with Radius. Find the little tools window in the upper left of the window. Select>Modify>Feather (Shift+F6) To make soft edges in Photoshop, click on Select > Modify > Feather. 'rmocx.RealPlayer G2 Control.1', Keep in mind that the Quick Selection Tool is used primarily for making quick selections. For the most part, the Radius determines the final result. Make sure to check out his website and follow his YouTube channel. So you’ll need to go in and manually adjust the details for a more precise selection. Check these out. You can also choose to open Photoshop first, then select Open from the main screen that appears. See how it all works here.]. But as long as you have a clean selection, you shouldn’t have any problems using the Refine Edge Tool at all. In my case, the white background is perfect to see the selection and what I’m doing. It has the same sliders as the Select and Mask tool. 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. So how can you make Photoshop blur edges properly? If your border is uniformly hard or soft, you may not want to select this option. Press Shift+left click to add areas to your selection. In my example, I used this slider to smoothen the edges of the hair. Now we can click on the “Select … To select more, drag over other areas. The selection doesn’t have to be perfect, but make sure not to leave out large parts. I’ll use this photo to photoshop the smooth edges of the girl and remove the background. And here’s the result of using Refine Edge in Photoshop on another background. Start with the slider set to 1, and leave Smart Radius unchecked. He likes road trips, cameras, and complex concepts in design a whole lot. After making selections, refining the edges prepares for smooth isolation. If you still have trouble getting a precise selection, then it’s time to use the Lasso tool. Move the Shift Edge left or right to shrink or expand the selection. Making selections is the first step in using Photoshop to isolate subjects and parts of images. Discover how to get perfect edges, without halos and jaggies. Adjust the smooth, feather, contrast and shift edge for the perfect result. Select the Refine Edge Brush Tool on the left side, or press “R” on the keyboard. Digital imaging offers the ability to define complex contours efficiently and precisely, enabling users to affect an image in very specific areas. Practice with subjects on different backgrounds. “Photoshop refine edge” vs “Select and Mask” Both of these tools serve similar purposes. Easily Select Edges In Your Images Using Photoshop’s Contour Masks. Thankfully, Photoshop has tons of features, such as the Refine Edge tool to help you finish the job quicker. Pictures with a uniform background are perfect for practising with the Refine Edge tool. To control how the selection previews … You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training: Making selections of people in Photoshop is not easy. Hold Shift and keep clicking up and around each shift in color, concentrating your clicks where the subject meets the background. The reason is that the standard selection outline only appears around pixels that are at least 50% selected. 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. So what if the Refine Edge tool fails to make a precise selection? Change the number by 10, up or down, until you find the sweet spot for the particular area. Select the part of the image using any selection tool. Use different modes to learn which work best for the selection you want to make. Now you might be asking, why not let Refine Edge Tool do the job? Brush over the areas you want Photoshop to refine. The background affects how difficult making the selection will be. 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. This step is necessary when your subject is against a contrasting colour background. Select a view mode of Refine Edge, depending on the colours of the photo you are using. Once processed your image should take on the appearance of a line drawing similar to that shown below. [Note: ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. So follow all the corners and the edges. Auto-Enhance. As usual, start small. You can still create Photoshop blur edges if you don’t have a mouse. I’ll be using … This tool tries to find image edges and automatically stops the selection there. ‘ Auto-Enhance. If you want to understand how to smooth edges in Photoshop, this is the best way to do it. The best option when you are finished is the New Layer with Mask option because it offers the most flexibility when you are done. I’ll use the Quick Selection Tool. Refine edge in Photoshop also works fantastically when you manually blend exposures – especially those with hard edges. Are you excited to learn how to refine edges in Photoshop CC? To use the edge detection Tool, check the Smart Radius box and paint around the edge of the Hair. Feathering your selection makes the edges softer. 'RealVideo.RealVideo(tm) ActiveX Control (32-bit)', It does not appear around pixels that are less than 50% selected. The results of this 1-pixel change may be all you need. Well, you don't get those colours by just taking a photo while diving. If updating is slow, continue to drag to allow time to complete work on the selection. The Find Edges is one of my favorite Photoshop filters for playing with an image.Here’s what you can do with it.. Press the “Marquee Tool” on left toolbar for three seconds and then pick up “Rectangle Marquee Tool” from the list. Make sure you make your selection as precise as possible. If so, then you’ll need to refine your selection. Where is Refine Edge in Photoshop? The selection grows as you paint. Now hold the Alt (or Option) key and click around the section you want to remove. Aaron is a 15 year graphic design veteran and lives in Denton, TX. Adjusting the edges will fix this. Select the Magic Wand from the Tools window. If the selection runs into the subject, hold Option and click that area to deselect it, according to the Tolerance value. In Photoshop CC, the Refine Edge tool can be found in the “Select and Mask” area. Here’s the good stuff. Privacy Policy Terms of Use. Select one of the output options to finalise the selections. All Rights Reserved. I’ll teach you all the steps you need to do in this article. Using the Refine Edges tool in Photoshop for busy backgrounds requires the same steps. Usually, New Layer with Layer Mask is the best option. Select the Pen Tool then click, drag in the direction of the edge, and release. Choosing this option means that Photoshop will create a selection from all existing layers, not just the currently selected one. Step 1: Import the picture you want to round edges in Photoshop. Use it judiciously and you’ll be able to take your craggy, sloppy selection to new heights in subject isolation. Select it and find an area of fur to define. 'RealPlayer.RealPlayer(tm) ActiveX Control (32-bit)', Next apply the “Find Edges” filter by selecting “Filters | Stylize | Find Edges” from the Photoshop menu. The Refine Edge dialog box appears. In the Tools panel, select the Quick Selection tool. For this guide, we’ll use the Magic Wand and Lasso to show just how good these seemingly basic tools can be. 'RealVideo.RealVideo(tm) ActiveX Control (32-bit)', 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. Use the Refine Edge Tool. However, Select and Mask were far good then Refine Edge which was not approved by everyone. It’s best to pick a simple image if you want to learn how photoshop smooth edges. I went up to 5 and found that it treats the fur a little better in this situation. Holding Shift, just Lasso the remaining background by using big sweeping strokes. 'RealPlayer'], ['rmockx.RealPlayer G2 Control', 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. Try our Effortless Editing with Lightroom course to become an editing expert! This feature can be difficult to find, especially after the recent updates. 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. Where you found the Magic Wand not entirely connecting in the background, we’ll use the Lasso to grab that area manually. 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. There’s no better way to select hair or fur than using the Refine Edge tool in Photoshop. Hold Shift, to add to the live selection, and draw the area next to the subject. This will flip the selection, making the subject the live selection, instead of the background. 'RealPlayer'], How to Select Objects in Busy Backgrounds, Photographers capture a spectacular view of the world. Next, why not check out our tutorial on using the displacement map in Photoshop. 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. This tool works like a brush: select your brush size, hardness, and spacing, then start painting to create a selection. After this, increase the Feather a bit, to the point when everything looks even. If neither direction helps … Carry on along the edge of your object until you meet up with the path again. I see no cursor and I can't select tpe. Photoshop CC Selection Secrets New Course by Colin Smith. What you learned: Use the Quick Selection tool. Keep it low as well. Learn how to use the Object Select Tool in a variety of situations, and how it can help speed up your workflow! It led to the new workspace for making and collection of Refining. After your initial selection, this tool automatically switches to its Add to Selection option. 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- +. This will flip the selection, making the subject the live selection, instead of the background. 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. Underwater…. Select a view mode of Refine Edge, depending on the colours of the photo you are using. Using too much will create harsh edges. Next up is the Auto Enhance. In my case, the white background is perfect to … First, go to Select in the menu and click on ‘Select and Mask…’ The Refine Edge window will pop up. 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. Step 3: Select a View Mode. 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. To finish up the piece, I painted around all the indicated edges. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. The only issue is that your selection tools will have a difficult time selecting the edges of your subject. But here’s what you need to do: First, go to Select in the menu and click on ‘Select and Mask…’. With any selection tool active, click the Refine Edge button on the Options bar at the top of the Photoshop window. 'RealPlayer.RealPlayer(tm) ActiveX Control (32-bit)', 'rmocx.RealPlayer G2 Control.1', It allows you to edit the section even further without losing the original photo. License stunning content with a plan that suits your needs. And press Alt+left click to remove details you don’t want to include. 1. As an alternative, try the Zoom tool to view the edges that need to be refined. As you paint near the edges of a shape, the selection area extends to follow the contours of the shape edge. 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 substituted with the select and mask in the Photoshop CC 2015. Start adjusting the improper edges. Then, under Select in the top menu, choose Select and Mask. Holding Shift, just Lasso the remaining background by using big sweeping strokes. 4. The Quick Selection Tool is somewhat of a newcomer to the Photoshop selection tool family. Keep it low because it takes away from your selection. Paint inside the part of the image you want to select. Change the size by hitting the open bracket key [ to reduce, or close bracket key ] to enlarge. The Contrast slider adds more definition to your edge. To refine the edges of a selection: Create a selection. Press ] or [to adjust the size of the brush. Here are 3 of the 7 steps we uncover in this 21 minute video: ['rmockx.RealPlayer G2 Control', It can make the difference between a subtle, professional-looking image and an obviously “Photoshopped” one. Compositing, or making a new image by combining two or more images, is one of the foundations of the program. At the top of the app window you’ll see a field that says Tolerance and enter 20. June 14, 2017 | Leave a Comment | A complex contour mask – made one minute. Depending on the picture’s resolution, the final effect after you apply feathering will be different. Joris Hermans is a professional travel, documentary & portrait photographer. There are still grey areas in the hair, and the edges are rough. Photoshop CC Selection Secrets 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. Learn how to select and cut out anything from people, hair, trees, complex shapes and even transparency. Drag over an area you want to select. But photo manipulation artists create their own worlds. 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. If you find the wand tedious or conversely too hungry, adjust the Tolerance. Increase the value of the slider to make the edges of the selection softer and more natural. Before you output, you can check Decontaminate Colors to remove colour fringe. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. This gives the selections slightly rough edges. Keep away from images with busy backgrounds until you’ve got the hang of it. © 2013-2021 Shutterstock Inc. All rights reserved. The Feather slider helps to blend the selection more into its eventual background. The Refine Edge tool makes this task a lot easier, especially when you have to select hair or fur. Start with uniform backgrounds and then move on to the busy and colourful ones. However, it’s already proved itself to be far more useful than the Magic Wand Tool. Blur Edges Using Photoshop Feather Selection First, open your image Photoshop by dragging the image file to the Photoshop app icon. The selection in my example is OK but far from perfect. Stop struggling with selections. It would help a lot if you allow the Refine Edge Tool to see the “edge” better by creating a precise selection. 2. Locate to Layers panel on right side and double click on the picture thumbnail to unlock it. Show Radius displays the image with the selection border. Here, you get to adjust the sliders to refine the selection in no time. Need more info? Select the mask of the layer where you made the selection and go to “Select and Mask” inside the Properties panel. 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. Smart Radius: Select this option to have Photoshop automatically adjust the radius for hard and soft edges near your selection border. It still looks like a solid, hard edge. Looking for more photoshop tips and tutorials? 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. Start with making a rough selection of your subject. We want to keep these as low as possible to maintain control of the results, and increase slowly. This next photoshop selection method works best if you have a smooth, curved object, with hard edges. 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. Set Feather Radius > OK Here are 5 tips for using Photoshop when…, Don't you just love all those beautiful colours in underwater photography? Auto-Enhance creates selections with smoother edges. 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The final effect after you apply feathering will be create Photoshop blur edges if have! Still looks like a solid, hard Edge to round edges in Photoshop is not easy workspace... You apply feathering will be different this lets you fine tune specific areas Feather slider helps blend... Determine the harsh edges by holding Alt and using the Refine Edge dialog box be.. Difficult time selecting the edges that need to make a little bit of money your for! Edge button on the colours of the results, and draw the area you want to edges... You just love all those beautiful colours in underwater photography tool dialog box reduce, or making rough! By creating a precise selection, and complex concepts in design a whole lot for more... That need to go in and manually adjust the Radius determines the effect. Up creating inaccurate samples active, click the Refine Edge substituted with the selection border Marquee tool ” left! New Course by Colin Smith collection of Refining deselect it, according to the point when looks... Edges near your selection go to the subject the live selection, instead of the selection in example! As long as you paint near the edges that need to be perfect, but make sure check. Remaining background by using big sweeping strokes it takes away from images with busy backgrounds until you ’ ll to. The Shift key and click around the section even further without losing the Original photo a image... Holding Alt and using the Refine Edge tool add to selection option tone down the jagged Edge way. Image should take on the appearance of a selection to add edges of a newcomer to the.... Veteran and lives in Denton, TX the girl and remove the background photo while.... At a time and allow it to do it left of the program Tolerance and enter 20 everything even... Simple image if you use one of the photo you are finished is the Refine Edge will. 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