Introduction
Cutting out objects in Photoshop is a fundamental skill that every graphic designer and photographer should master. Whether you want to remove a distracting background or isolate a subject for a composite image, knowing how to cut out objects accurately can greatly enhance your creative possibilities. In this article, we will explore various techniques and tools in Photoshop that will help you achieve seamless and professional results.
Using the Pen Tool
Step 1: Open the image you want to work on in Photoshop. Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar on the left side of the screen.
Step 2: Zoom in on the object you want to cut out for better precision. Start by clicking on the edge of the object to create an anchor point. Continue clicking along the object’s outline, placing anchor points at regular intervals.
Step 3: When you reach the starting point, click on it to close the path. You can adjust the position of the anchor points by clicking and dragging them. To create curved lines, click and drag the anchor points while holding down the mouse button.
Step 4: Once you have completed the path, right-click on it and select “Make Selection” from the context menu. Choose your desired feather radius and click “OK” to create a selection.
Step 5: Now you can copy, cut, or delete the selected object. You can also paste it onto a new background or use it in a composite image.
Using the Magic Wand Tool
Step 1: Open the image and select the Magic Wand Tool from the toolbar.
Step 2: Adjust the tool’s tolerance level in the options bar at the top of the screen. A higher tolerance will select a broader range of colors, while a lower tolerance will be more precise.
Step 3: Click on the background or the area you want to remove. The Magic Wand Tool will select all similar pixels within the tolerance range.
Step 4: If the selection is not accurate, you can add or subtract areas by holding down the Shift or Alt key while clicking on different parts of the image.
Step 5: Once you have the desired selection, you can delete or cut the background. You can also copy the selected object and paste it onto a new background.
Using the Quick Selection Tool
Step 1: Open the image and select the Quick Selection Tool from the toolbar.
Step 2: Adjust the brush size in the options bar to match the object’s size you want to select.
Step 3: Click and drag the brush over the object you want to cut out. The tool will automatically select similar pixels based on the brush’s size and shape.
Step 4: If the selection includes unwanted areas, hold down the Alt key and drag the brush over those areas to subtract them from the selection.
Step 5: Refine the selection by using the Select and Mask feature. This will allow you to fine-tune the edges of the selection for a more natural look.
Conclusion
Cutting out objects in Photoshop is a valuable skill that can greatly enhance your creative projects. Whether you prefer the precision of the Pen Tool, the simplicity of the Magic Wand Tool, or the versatility of the Quick Selection Tool, mastering these techniques will allow you to seamlessly remove backgrounds and isolate subjects. Practice and experiment with different images to refine your skills and achieve professional-looking results.
References
– Adobe Photoshop Help: helpx.adobe.com/photoshop
– Photoshop Training Channel: photoshoptrainingchannel.com
– Phlearn: phlearn.com
