Knowing how to cut out people can be one of the most challenging photo editing techniques you can learn. In this tutorial we show you how to cut out people in just six easy steps using the Refine Edge tool.
One of the great things about digital imaging is the ability it gives you to combine several images. Master a few simple compositing skills and you can transport subjects to distant destinations or build a group photo from several people who’ve never met.
But to make a composite look convincing you need accurate cutouts. When cutting out people, the most problematic part is usually the hair, where the background often shows through the gaps. Luckily, there are a couple of Photoshop tools that can do much of the work for you.
Introduced in Elements 11, Refine Edge is the most powerful tool for making cutouts that Adobe has ever produced. It’s not a selection tool, but a command that enables you to improve an existing selection by, as the name suggests, refining its edge.
If you’re new to Refine Edge, the controls can seem complex, but master a few fundamentals and it quickly becomes the go-to tool when you need make a precise cutout.
How to cut out people using Refine Edge: steps 1-3
01 Select the background
Download our start files and follow along! Open cut_out_before.jpg. Grab the Magic Wand tool, make sure Contiguous is checked and set Tolerance to about 21 in the Tool Options. Click on the grey background to begin a selection. Hold Shift and click around the background to select it all. Include the gaps in the hair and hands.
Download our start files and follow along! Open cut_out_before.jpg. Grab the Magic Wand tool, make sure Contiguous is checked and set Tolerance to about 21 in the Tool Options. Click on the grey background to begin a selection. Hold Shift and click around the background to select it all. Include the gaps in the hair and hands.
02 Open Refine Edge
Go to Select>Inverse to select the model istead of the background, then go to Select>Refine Edge. Hit F to toggle different view options within Refine Edge until you find one that gives the best view of the selection edge. Check Smart Radius and increase Radius to 1px.
Go to Select>Inverse to select the model istead of the background, then go to Select>Refine Edge. Hit F to toggle different view options within Refine Edge until you find one that gives the best view of the selection edge. Check Smart Radius and increase Radius to 1px.
03 Adjust the radius
Check Show Radius, and experiment by dragging the Radius slider up and down, changing the size of the edge. The refinement occurs in this area; anywhere outside it is left untouched. Grab the Refine Radius tool and paint over the edge of the hair to increase the area of refinement.
Check Show Radius, and experiment by dragging the Radius slider up and down, changing the size of the edge. The refinement occurs in this area; anywhere outside it is left untouched. Grab the Refine Radius tool and paint over the edge of the hair to increase the area of refinement.
Cutting out hair in Photoshop <a href="https://clippingservicestudio.com/image-masking-service-new-york/image masking servics new york</a> can be quite challenging due to the intricate details and fine strands. However, using the right techniques and tools can make the process more manageable and produce professional results. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
ReplyDeleteStep-by-Step Guide to Cutting Out Hair in Photoshop
1. Open Your Image
Open your image in Photoshop by selecting File > Open and navigating to your file.
2. Duplicate the Background Layer
Always work on a duplicate layer to preserve the original. Right-click on the background layer and select Duplicate Layer.
3. Select the Subject
Use the Quick Selection Tool (W) or Select Subject (under the Select menu) to make an initial selection of the subject. This might not be perfect but it provides a starting point.
4. Refine the Selection with Select and Mask
Go to Select > Select and Mask. This will open the Select and Mask workspace.
Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool (R) to paint over the edges of the hair. This tool is designed to handle tricky areas like hair.
5. Adjust Edge Detection
In the Select and Mask workspace, enable Smart Radius and adjust the radius slider to better detect the edges of the hair.
6. Refine the Edge
Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool to further refine the hair edges by painting over them. Adjust the Smooth, Feather, Contrast, and Shift Edge sliders to get a cleaner selection.
7. Output the Selection
Once you’re satisfied with the selection, choose an output option. You can output to a Layer Mask to keep the flexibility of adjusting the mask later.
8. Fine-Tune the Mask
If needed, refine the layer mask manually using the Brush Tool (B). Paint with black to hide areas and white to reveal areas. Adjust the brush size and hardness as necessary for precision.
9. Check and Adjust the Edges
Sometimes, the hair cutout might need some more adjustments. Use tools like the Clone Stamp Tool (S) or Spot Healing Brush Tool (J) to clean up any remaining imperfections.
10. Add Background
To ensure the hair cutout looks natural, place a background layer underneath your subject layer. This helps in seeing how the hair blends with different backgrounds and making further adjustments.
Tips for Better Results
High-Quality Images: Start with high-resolution images for better detail and precision.
Patience with Refine Edge: Spend extra time refining the edge for more natural results.
Background Contrast: Using a contrasting background while refining can help you see the edges more clearly.
Practice: The more you practice, the better you’ll get at cutting out hair.
Conclusion
Cutting out hair in Photoshop requires patience and precision, but by using the Select and Mask tool along with fine-tuning the layer mask, you can achieve excellent results. With practice, these techniques will become easier and more intuitive.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions or need further assistance! Happy editing!