How do I...

[Sean Reynolds]

put part of one image onto another image? Does that make sense? I have a scanned photo that I need to remove the background from. I want to take the remaing part ( a person ) and place it on top of another image. I appreciate any help, thanks.

 

[mflintjer]

Yes, this can be done! You need to use the "Pen Tool" in the tool bar on the left side of your screen when IN Photoshop! It's a very useful tool for just this purpose (among others).

If you go to the link below, scroll down until you see a picture of a lock (the 8th entry from the top of the page!). JoeD put the tutorial there, and is a nice easy tutorial to learn. Very easy to follow, very easy to learn, very quick start you on your way to your answer! I would suggest you follow that tutorial.

http://photoshopgurus.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6005&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

 

[Sean Reynolds]

Thanks. Very interesting, however I find that some of the steps are not part of or I cant find in my program. Perhaps I have an older version of photoshop (7.0). I found something called smart eraser that works alright. Thanks

 

[theKeeper]

You can also use the Polygon Lasso tool to select around the person and press ctrl+j when you're done. That copies the selected area to a new layer.

Zoom in real close when doing this kind of work. It makes it easier to create the best/tightest selection.

PS: the Pen/Path tools are used the same way you would the Polygon Lasso tool for creating your selection. Don't be afraid to use those tools too.

 

[chillman]

I actually use to use the magnetic lasso, but since I became daring, and learned to use the pen tool, I'll never go back. That thing is SUHWEET! :}

Trust me on this. If you are not in a hurry, the pen tool is the way to go. You can zoom in and have even better control of what you are extracting. Smart eraser or background eraser works pretty well, but you still lose a little control.

I should mention that after you have your paths completed, you would then make a selection from the path by clicking on the paths pane, right clicking on the work path area, and making a selection. I usually use a 1 pixel feather and it works well for me. Good Luck!

Make sure to work from a duplicate layer too. That way you can reference the original.

 

[Sean Reynolds]

Thanks guys. Works like a champ. I don't think I've scratched the surface of PS yet. Abso-fricken-lutly amazing!

 

[mflintjer]

no doubts about that bud-- this program is very powerful! I am only just under the skin of this prog, and have learned more in one month of coming here to this site, than I have in the prior 3 months on my own!!

But I do have to agree with chillman, the pen/path tool is the best way to go! I try to use it every chance I get, just to sharpen my skills with it!!

I'm glad you found the tutorial helpful, I did too -- that's why I put the link up here for you! B7

Good luck with your art, and welcome to the site!!