Hi everyone,
I'm new, and frustrated. I am using PSE 1.1 (but have ordered PSE 4.0), and am wondering if there is an easy way to remove the background in a picture? For example: I want to cut out the person in the picture but don't want any of the background. I've used the magnetic lasso tool, and traced the outline of the person....but then what? do I hit "cut", which doesn't seem to do anything? There isn't much help for user's of PSE 1.1 (it was bundled with my scanner). I know there has to be a way, but not sure what it is. I would really appreciate your help!!! (and will this process be easier on PSE 4.0 ?) thanks!!

Hi Unity!

First let me point you at the Distracting Backgrounds tutorial which talks about how to use the magnetic lasso to extract an image from it's background. I'm not sure if everything is the same for PSE1.1 or not but it's worth a try.

Honestly it sounds like you have the magnetic Lasso part figured out. It could be that you're working on the original photo file itself and then the image maybe a locked background. You could use the magnetic lasso to select the portion of the image you want then copy (CRTL+C). Open a new image using the default size and paste (CRTL+V). I'm suggesting this way so you don't accidentally overwrite your original photo with edited version.

HTH! If you're still having trouble please post!

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Stacy
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avatar photo by Marja Flick-Buijs downloaded at sxc.hu

try clicking on layers on the top of your screen and going down to inverse then delete. This should leave only the part you lasso'd on the page. This is what i've done in 3.0 Hope it helps

Thank you; I haven't had a chance to try the suggestions but will as soon as I am able. I appreciate your input.