What are some tips and tricks for selecting and cutting out complex shapes and edges in Photoshop?

Here are some concise tips for selecting and cutting out complex shapes and edges in Photoshop: 1. Use the Pen Tool for precise selections. 2. Refine edges with the Refine Edge tool. 3. Utilize the Select and Mask workspace for advanced refinement. 4. Explore channels for high-contrast selections. 5. Combine selection tools for better results. 6. Employ Layer Masks for non-destructive editing. 7. Zoom in for accuracy and zoom out for evaluation. 8. Practice different techniques for each image. 9. Check selections on various backgrounds for imperfections. 10. Apply layer styles for seamless blending.

Depending on the characteristics of the object or area you're isolating, various selection tools like the Pen Tool, Magnetic Lasso Tool, or Quick Selection Tool offer distinct advantages. For sharp and defined edges, the Pen Tool provides unparalleled control by allowing you to create precise paths manually. Conversely, the Magnetic Lasso Tool automatically detects edges based on color contrast, making it suitable for objects with well-defined boundaries. The Quick Selection Tool, on the other hand, excels at selecting areas with clear distinctions in color and texture.

It all depends on what you are working on. Graphics with clean edges and simpler shapes: - Pen tool Areas with few, similar colors: - Quick Selection tool - Select > Color Range People and/or complex shapes: - Select > Subject The AI features in Photoshop and Lightroom are incredible, so use them to get at good initial selection.

In my experience I would use a combination approach by using pen tool, lasso and paint brush (on the mask). If needed, you can use the smudge tool on the mask to soften it for a painterly approach. The good news with photoshop is that there are multiple ways to achieve selections depending on the subject.

Given that with generative fill you already have a huge help from Photoshop, the best tool for accurate selections is certainly the Pen tool. Obviously, being a tool that needs to be well-understood and requires a lot of patience, it should be used for complex selections. For simple selections, you can use the Quick Selection tool or the Magic Wand. One tip I can give is to create a layer on which to increase the contrast between light and shadows. By doing so, it will be easier for Photoshop to make automatic selections. Finally, always remember to save your selections.

By creating separate layers for different elements of your composition, you can maintain flexibility and non-destructive editing capabilities throughout the process. Layer masks serve as invaluable tools for refining selections and seamlessly blending edges. Painting on layer masks with black, white, or shades of gray allows you to selectively reveal or conceal portions of an image, enabling intricate adjustments while preserving image integrity. Additionally, combining selection tools with layer masks empowers you to achieve seamless cutouts and seamlessly integrate objects into new backgrounds or compositions.

Blending modes alter the interaction between layers, allowing you to experiment with different effects and achieve seamless integration of elements within your composition. Whether you're aiming to enhance contrast, adjust color tones, or create intriguing visual effects, blending modes offer a myriad of creative possibilities. Additionally, adjustment layers enable non-destructive editing by applying changes to specific layers without altering the original image data. From adjusting brightness and contrast to fine-tuning color balance and saturation, adjustment layers provide precise control over the appearance of your compositions while maintaining flexibility throughout the editing process.

Use blending modes to easily add elements to a photo - for instance if the element is on a white background, the MULTIPLY blending mode will make all white elements disappear (only works if there are no white parts in the parts you want to keep). Adjustment layers are amazing at, non-destructively, applying adjustments to layers. Clip them to a layer to only affect that particular layer. The masks can be selected by the great selection tools that are in PS

The Clone Stamp Tool allows you to duplicate pixels from one part of an image to another, enabling you to seamlessly remove unwanted elements or imperfections while preserving texture and detail. On the other hand, the Healing Brush Tool intelligently blends surrounding pixels to seamlessly repair blemishes, scratches, or other distractions without sacrificing image quality. These tools are particularly useful for retouching and fine-tuning intricate details, ensuring a polished and professional finish to your compositions.

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