Whats the best method for cutting an image out of the background? Using the lasso tool takes for ever! Is there some secret shortcut you photoshop guys use and guard like the Caramilk secret?

If it has a background that are very .. hmm. I cant find the words here.. For example if you have the pic you want with a cloudy background then you can "magic wand" select the background and delete it,, but most often, usually there are no shortcuts to this .. you just have to take the time needed.. And thats the hard fact in art . . it takes time .. alot of time.. and if one is going to get it good one has to allow it to take its time to ;-D

Well with that said,,, there might be a "secret" to it that I dont know ;)

try using the "quick mask" option in your toolbox you paint the parts of the selection that you wish to select. using white will deselct and black will select. Then when you are finished selecting the areas desired switch back to normal mode and the area will be selected. this takes time as well but is nice because you can feather you selection by using the airbrush tool and if you accidently click somwhear you didn't want to you can repaint it white if you need to.

http://www.thinkdan.com/tutorials/photoshop/objectisolation/index.html

I use the lasso mostly but depending on the image sometimes the 'extract tool' (like in Dan's tutorial above) or quick mask works...but in the end I usually go in with the lasso to fine tune anyways. :)

I use the quick mask or even regular layer mask

You can use any tool with it including the lasso and magic wand.
I don't use the extract function I just find it takes longer and don't always do what I want.

I usually use the magic wand 1st playing with the tolerance. I then use the lasso to get any large areas the wand missed (or bits left behind). Then depending on the image I go onto using the airbrush or other tools.
I also use different channels to make my selections if I can get a better one, sometimes I even change colour modes or create copies of layers and adjust that layer (like increase the contrast all the way or desaturate), make the selection then transfer it to the working layer.

Basically there is no one set way to do things just learn all the ways then adapt based on image or application.

The extract feature would probably work well for online stuff but I wouldn't use it for stuff that goes to press (that's just me though).


freakyclean

for a real clean job zoom into 500% and use the lasso and just follow the sharp pixel of whatever your cutting out!

The best way I've found is to look at your channels individually (either R, G, or B or C, M, Y, or K) and when you find one with a decent amount of contrast, copy & paste it to a new channel and adjust the levels until you have solid (or nearly solid) black & white areas. If there is anything left to clean up, use an airbrush with the dodge or burn settings to finish it off. Now, just load your channel as a mask and copy & paste to a new layer.

Good idea Eraser ;)

Im incredibly shocked that no one uses the pen tool.

The only problem with the pen tool is that it leaves sharp edges on blurry objects, but it is by far the best selection tool in PS period.

Why? Well, Ill compare it to the other ones:
Pen Tool vs. _______

Lasso's (regular and polygon): If you make a mistake while making a selection, you're pretty much screwed, and have to redo the selection. This can get VERY tedious.

Magic Wand: inaccurate at best. While there are certainly times when it works, getting a decent selection from it in the real world is nigh impossible.

Extract Tool: I have never gotten this stupid tool to work. It forever leaves bits and pieces lying around, and again, its fairly inaccurate.

Masking: good at times, but using a brush to paint specific areas, without mistakes is a bit hard for me.

While, I dont think any one tool is ever perfect, or the be all, end all of Photoshop, Id say I use the pen tool 95% of the time for selections, and its incredible. Wonderful wonderful tool.

(of course, selecting hair is enough to make you want to kill yourself and everyone around you :))

Lasso's (regular and polygon): If you make a mistake while making a selection, you're pretty much screwed, and have to redo the selection. This can get VERY tedious.

Actually Nate if you use the Del key it takes you one step back in the selection with the poly lasso tool. Also if you make other mistakes or inaccuracies you can go back and add or delete from the selection with the alt (-) or shift(+) key held down.

I find this makes my life much easier....especially whe I use to do alot of flatting in coloring.

:)

Glad to see you here Nate. :grin2:

Um you use the magic wand, lasso tools with a layer mask and work in small steps. Very rarely do I use the paint brush with a mask.

The pen tools do not allow for a grey value only black or white so to speak, plus for detailed work would take longer.

Nate is right the Pen tool is the best!!!!!!!! If you find you get jagged edges and sharp corners then trying turning your path into a selection and applying a 1 pixel smooth on the selection! Works like a charm

Then copy and paste your selection onto its new background and go up to the LAYER menu, MATTING and then Defringe 1 pixel. That takes away any remnants!

Good luck! :)

Amy