Photoshop is one of the best tools for working with bitmap graphics. The program has rich features that allow the user to change the image as needed. When processing graphics, one of the most common tasks is to outline the outline of an image element.
Instructions
Step 1
There are several ways to select an outline in Photoshop. The simplest is connected with the use of the "Magic Wand" - Magic Wand. In the Component Palette, its icon looks like a stick with an asterisk at the end. For correct selection of outlines, Magic Wand must be configured correctly. Set the Tolerance parameter in the tool properties to 30. This value will allow you to fairly confidently separate the outline of the desired image from the background.
Step 2
Working with the Magic Wand is very simple. Bring it to the edge of the object, the outline of which you want to select, and click the left mouse button. The outline of a part of the image will be highlighted. Now press Shift and, while holding the key, left-click again near the part of the image that has not yet been selected by the outline. Pressing Shift allows you to drag further on an already selected path. Continue to create the path in the same way. If you are mistaken, switch to the English layout and press Ctrl + Z - the last action will be canceled.
Step 3
When the path is closed, proceed to editing the selection. It may be needed if contouring was performed incorrectly in some areas of the image, and the contour cut off part of the image. Decrease the tolerance value a little, then move the Magic Wand to the part of the image captured by the outline. While holding down the Alt key, click the mistakenly selected area with the mouse. The contour will be corrected. Now press Del, the existing background around the image will be removed and filled with the background selected in the Component Palette.
Step 4
To select more complex paths, especially those that merge with the background, use the component "Lasso" (Lasso Tool). Select it, press the left mouse button and drag the tool along the perimeter of the selected image until the path is closed. The disadvantage of this tool is that the selection is done manually and its quality is determined by how accurately you move the mouse.
Step 5
In many cases, the Magic Wand and Lasso capabilities are insufficient to accurately define the contours of a complex object. For example, you need to cut out the image of a cat from a photo, so that the whiskers and hair are preserved. It is impossible and unnecessary to select each hair with a Magic Wand or Lasso - there is a more convenient Pen tool for this.
Step 6
Select Pen Tool - Paths. Now, by successive mouse clicks, select the outline of the image element you need. The creation of a complex contour is quite laborious, but the result pays for all the time spent. At the same time, do not strive to select the smallest elements of the contour (like the mustache and the hair of the cat), at this stage you need to select the general contour. Close it by clicking the mouse one last time on the first point. Now with the Refine Edge tool, you can more accurately define the boundaries of the path. Considering that working with this tool is quite difficult, read about it in specialized articles.
