On Feb 8, 4:59 am, Michael Sgier wrote:
Hi
should I use for cutting out to transparent also the pen tool? Thanks
Michael
Hi Michael,
As is usual with Photoshop, you have options. In this case though I think the Pen Tool would be best because you will need the path anyway for the stroke. The non-destructive alternatives; using masks, clipping paths (not to be confused with clipping masks, which as Tom mentioned would be useful for this project) or advanced blending are more flexible but also more complicated.
The way it could work is use the Pen Tool to lay down a path along the edge of what needs to be deleted, duplicated that path (this can be done either with copy/paste or with the buttons at the bottom of the Paths palette), then use the ‘Path to selection’ button in the paths palette, and hit delete. This gets rid of the fill pixels inside the marquee. BTW, the Marquee (selection) can be Feathered for a smoother transition. Then make the remaining path active by selecting it in the Paths palette and click the ‘Stroke’ button. This will stroke the path with whatever settings you have configured the Brush with. I am sure you are aware that since you are using destructive editing techniques that it is all the more important to make backups of your images and work on copies – just a reminder.
The Clipping Masks will be a good opportunity for you to expand your ability to work with layers and masks. Adobe calls them Clipping Masks but for me that name is confusing; they could also be called Layer Fill Reveal Masks or Transparency Knockout Masks – either would be a better choice in my opinion.
Have fun,
Ron