Like Bacchus, I use the Pen tool to create a path then convert the path to a selection and then move the selection to a new layer.
in depth <<<<<<<<<<<
This is a three step process:
1. Quickly create a rough path around the object.
2. Adjust curve control points to precisely position the path.
3. Convert the path to a selection and separate the selected item from
the background
==== step one ====
Quickly create a rough path around the object.
Select Pen Tool
On the Tool Options Bar
Select Create New Work Path
Checkmark Auto Add/Delete
Checkmark Rubber Band
To start the path, Click anywhere on the product outline. This places a path anchor point
Continue the path by clicking to add path anchor points ONLY where the product outline makes significant or abrupt changes, like corners and tight turns.
Do NOT try to make the ‘rubberband’ follow the outline; anchor points are just starting points.
Example: a dinner plate may need only three anchor points, a cereal box or milk carton may only need six anchor points to generate a complete outline.
To finish the path, Click on the starting point.
==== step two ====
Adjust the curve control points to precisely position the path.
Select Convert Point Tool from Pen toolbox.
Click anywhere on the path.
This reveals the path anchor points
Click and Drag on any path anchor point in the SAME direction that you created the path.
This will reveal and reposition the two curve control points and manipulate the curve.
While in this mode, Press and Hold the ALT key (sorry Apple corp.) This isolates your control to a single curve control point Position this single curve control point appropriately
While still holding ALT, position the other curve control point. Work your way around the object, going from point to point To reposition a path anchor point, hold the CTRL key and click and drag.
Go back to the Pen toolbox if you need to add or remove path anchor points
==== step three ====
Convert the path to a selection and separate the selected item from the background
With all the curve control points adjusted,
Right Click the path and choose Make Selection
Feather Radius: = 0, 1, or 2 pixels (this softens any mistakes made in the path)
Checkmark Anti-aliased
Click OK
This creates a ‘marching ants’ selection
Layer/New Layer/Layer via Copy
Moves the selection to its own layer.
—— options/insurance ——
I COPY the selection to a new layer so I can easily fix any selection mistakes. On this layer I can trim off areas that shouldn’t have been selected. Use the Eraser tool or Selection tools then delete.
Most importantly, I can add areas that got missed by the path.
Create a new layer, Name = Green, Opacity = 66
Fill this layer with a bright green color (R,G,B = 0,255,0) This layer provides a visual ‘separation’ between the isolated image and the original.
On the layers palette, move the Green layer between the isolated image and the original layer.
Isolated Image Layer
Green Layer
Background/Original Image Layer
Carefully inspect the border/edges of the isolated image. You can toggle the original image layer on/off to verify questionable areas.
To add to the image
Make the original layer active
Select the area to be added
CTRL-C copy
Make the isolated image layer active
CTRL-V paste
If your original image has a hole in it (like the open area under a basket handle or inside a belt buckle), repeat the path process on the isolated image, only delete the selection instead of moving to a new layer. If you make a mistake, you can always copy from the original layer.
Sorry for all the words.
It really is fast after you get the first three or four done. The trick is picking the right spots for path anchor points.
Hope that helps,
Mr3
"Bacchus" wrote in message
look up the pen tool and clipping paths on the internet.
You will have to use the pen tool and clip them out and lay them out
however
you want. Kinda easy once you get the hang of it.
That’s the only way I can think of. I am still learning.
wrote in message
Hi,
I’m an absolute newby to Photoshop so appreciate any help whatsoever.
I have 1400 photos of various shaped and sized products that I need to cut around so as to remove the background. The shots were taken on a white matt but there is the odd mark there to contend with.
I know there’s a lot of ways to do this and would like to hear a few of the better ways so I can choose which is best for me.
There’s a tonne of work so I really appreciate the help.
Also, is there anything I can do with macros that might make the load easier.
MANY MANY THANKS
Tino
