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Last Updated: Mar 27th, 2009 - 00:58:51 |
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PROGRAM BASIC: Feathering Selection Edges with the Refine Edge Tool
By Shelleyrae Cusbert 2009
Mar 27, 2009, 00:49
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Feathering is a tool for smoothing the edges of selections. This is important to minimize ‘jaggies’ and neaten the appearance of an extraction. Softening the edge of an extraction also improves the visual illusion that an introduced object, belongs where it has been placed.
You will first need to choose and extract your image in your preferred manner, and position it on the background. Hard edges are more likely when you have used the polygonal, pen or freehand tool, than a mask and soft edge eraser tool.
Hold CTRL on your keyboard and select the image thumbnail to create the selection (marching ants) around the extraction. Choose Select> Refine Edge from the menu or keyboard shortcut CTRL+ALT+R.
At the default settings the background will be masked by white showing only the extraction. Preview options can be selected my clicking on the small mask images to choose the best option suited to your image. Zoom into the image so you can clearly see the edges.
A Feather value of 1 pixel the default, the feather value is measured in pixels. Usually a value of below 2 pixels is all that is required for extractions such as these. Push the slider to judge the best result. Here 0.6 was enough to soften the edges.
You can then use the other options to control or modify the edge of the extraction. As you hover over each of the sliders the description box explains its’ purpose, with a visual example. Make any adjustments as desired.
Here I have adjusted the Contrast and Smooth values slightly as well as contracting the selection slightly. Ensure you check the entire perimeter of the extraction so that your refinements do not adversely affect other areas.
When you are satisfied with the result, click OK to return to the workspace. To actually apply the selection refinements, you must use CTRL+J to copy the new selection to a new layer. You can then hide or delete the unaltered layer below.
Your photo should now look better as part of the scene, with the softer edge transitions, creating a more seamless blend.
Before/After
I have finished off this project by repositioning and adding some motion blur to finish.
Download a PDF version of this tutorial by clicking HERE
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