Extract an object from its background – Adobe Photoshop CC 2014 v.14.xx User Manual
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Extract an object from its background
Note:
Brush Size
Highlight
Fill
When you extract an object, Photoshop erases its background to transparency. Pixels on the edge of the object lose the color components derived
from the background, so they can blend with a new background without producing a color halo.
Use the more effective and flexible Refine Edge command
For superior results and nondestructive processing, use the Select > Refine Edge command. See Refine selection edges for instructions and links
to additional helpful tutorials.
The Refine Edge command is particularly impressive with highly complex edge content such as wispy hair. Unlike the older Extract plug-in, which
permanently erases pixel data, the Refine Edge command creates selection masks that you can later readjust and fine-tune.
Use the older, optional Extract plug-in (Windows only)
The Extract plug-in is not available for Mac OS because it is incompatible with recent versions of that operating system, and the Refine
Edge command produces better extractions.
Selected area highlighted and filled, and extracted object
1. Because the Refine Edge command is superior, the Extract plug-in is not installed with Photoshop.
.
2. In the Layers palette, select the layer containing the object you want to extract. If you select a background layer, it becomes a normal layer
after the extraction. If the layer contains a selection, the extraction erases the background only in the selected area.
To avoid losing the original image information, duplicate the layer or make a snapshot of the original image state.
3. Choose Filter > Extract, and then specify tool options:
Enter a value, or drag the slider to specify the width of the Edge Highlighter tool
. You also use the Brush Size option to
specify the width of the Eraser, Cleanup, and Edge Touchup tools.
Choose a preset color option for the highlight that appears around objects when you use the Edge Highlighter tool, or choose
Other to pick a custom color for the highlight.
Choose a preset color option, or choose Other to pick a custom color for the area covered by the Fill tool.
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