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ProlepticKupo
Participating Frequently
February 24, 2013
Question

Refine Edge Problem

  • February 24, 2013
  • 14 replies
  • 34541 views

After doing some google searches, I've decided to bring the question a new. 

I am using Adobe CS5 on Windows Vista (32-bit). 

My refine edge tool has stopped working properly.  Rather than refining my edge selection, it sort of blends my selection into transparency, making the final product look extremely sloppy (the point to be made here is that the tool does not funciton as it does on tutorials and examples).   

I have already tried:

1.) Setting up a new user account on my computer

2.) Resetting tool presets

3.) installing updates

The problem remains.  Any wisdom on this issue?

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    14 replies

    S
    silverbeach va
    Participant
    September 2, 2017

    I have photoshop CC at home and at the studio. Refine edge works fine at the studio but does not work on my home computer at all. Now what?

    melissapiccone
    Community Expert
    melissapicconeCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 5, 2017

    Are you using different versions of Photoshop? Make sure they are both updated if you are on CC 2017.

    Melissa Piccone | Adobe Trainer | Online Courses Author | Fine Artist
    tcase88
    tcase88
    Participating Frequently
    December 5, 2016

    As Melissa wrote above, the SELECT MASK is the way to go.  Just search YouTube for "Photoshop Select-Mask" and you'll get a great tutorial.  Melissa, I was hoping you'd have a link too but that's how I learned how to use it!

    melissapiccone
    Community Expert
    melissapicconeCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 14, 2016

    Refine Edge has been replaced with Select and Mask. Select and Mask had a rocky start and didn't work correctly. It's been fixed in CC 2017. Can't help with older versions...

    Melissa Piccone | Adobe Trainer | Online Courses Author | Fine Artist
    T
    Tanja2014
    Inspiring
    December 1, 2016

    melissapiccone schrieb:

    Refine Edge has been replaced with Select and Mask. Select and Mask had a rocky start and didn't work correctly. It's been fixed in CC 2017. Can't help with older versions...

    that´s an insult to our intelligence. it is NOT fixed.

    it still behaves exactly as crappy as described in this thread and dozend others.

    don´t insult our intelligence when it´s obvious that it still does not work.

    i know in trumps america facts don´t count.. but some people actually still have a working brain.

    BREAKDOWN: Select and Mask vs. Refine Edge - Photoshop CC - YouTube

    melissapiccone
    Community Expert
    melissapicconeCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 1, 2016

    Little hostility issues? What exactly does this have to do with politics? Oh yeah, nothing.

    In version CC 2017, if you go to the drop down menu and hold shift while clicking on Select and Mask, it will bring up Refine Edge. Why don't do something productive with all of that anger, like a comparison of 2 images, one done in refine edge and one done in Select and Mask. Then post them here so we have some real life examples to pass onto the PS team.

    Melissa Piccone | Adobe Trainer | Online Courses Author | Fine Artist
      O
      Ocean 11
      Inspiring
      April 3, 2016

      Has there been any news on this?

      I'm on the latest version of Photoshop CC and refine edge does not work at all.

      All it does it produces a smear. I have tried it with different settings, with the same useless result.

      Wasn't this the argument for a subscription that there could be more updates? Why is this not getting fixed?

        kevinh1892093
        kevinh1892093
        Participant
        November 13, 2016

        I am having the same problem and would like to know if anyone has found a solution.  I have reset my preferences, but it has not resolved my issue.

        G
        GHphotos
        Participant
        February 8, 2016

        I had some Refine Edge issues recently. I'd stay try resetting your Photoshop's defaults. Here's how to do it:

        Close Photoshop if it is open.

        Press your Windows Key on the keyboard + R. So Windows + R.

        In the Run dialog box, type in %appdata% (With the percent symbols)

        A file explorer window will pop up. Open the Adobe folder.

        Drag that entire Photoshop folder onto your desktop.

        Instead of copying the folder to the desktop, your computer will know that you want to reset the defaults.

        That's it! Now, open Photoshop and refine away!

        Hope this helps, friends! 

        A
        Anonymous
        November 26, 2015

        There is a solution!

        And although it may not be what you were hoping for, in my opinion, it is much much better even than when refine edge works!  (Yes, I has the same problem).

        Topaz ReMask is an amazing program. It does a fantastic job in a fraction of the time, and has more advanced features.

        Of course you want to get the most from something you've already paid for, but if you need great selection software and refine edge is not doing it for you, then paying for a plug in that's so much better has got to be worth it.

        I'm not affiliated with Topaz in any way, just a satisfied customer. ..

        Their noise control is streets ahead of photoshop/lightroom too...

        Good luck  

        S
        stevegb
        Participant
        October 15, 2015

        This is so incredibly disappointing.  This feature is so critical to my workflow it's driving me insane.  I watch the videos on Youtube and it's like 1 - 2 - 3 done!  I do it...and I get the exact same garbage that everyone is complaining about.  What the heck?  We pay for premium functionality and we get this?  UGH!  I'm going to keep playing but this is just no acceptable.  It's really hurting the quality of the photographs that I am producing for my clients.  Shame on you Adobe.

          tcase88
          tcase88
          Participating Frequently
          October 15, 2015

          I am also have the exact same issues.  It worked initially great, but something changed suddenly and I can no longer get the precision I need. What gives?

            A
            ani_mary
            Participant
            August 6, 2015

            Guys please help!!! does someone know what is going on and how to fix this? I've tried everything!!! it is like a residue mess of transparency...It happens a lot in the white preview. Please somebody help !!!!

              bugsy46
              bugsy46
              Participant
              August 7, 2015

              To put it bluntly it just doesn't work properly. I've heard rumours that it doesn't happen in Photoshop CC, and if you're a CS6 user you're stuck with it etc. However I can't be sure. Try to just brush over the section you wan't it to work on, ie don't run your brush too far into the inside of the subject. It's a pain I know. I composite images for movie posters and end up using other methods instead. I only use the refine edge for things like stray hair, facial hair etc. For everything else I use the brush in quick mask mode or channels. Also try using contrast and sharpening to help the selection which you can later remove. Don't count on Adobe fixing this. They still haven't managed to figure out how to get Adobe CC working smooth on the 5k iMacs.

                tcase88
                tcase88
                Participating Frequently
                August 3, 2015

                I am having the exact issue.  Did you ever find a solution? I was using this just fine with great results and then suddenly it stopped working.  I get those same grey results.  HELP!

                melissapiccone
                Community Expert
                melissapicconeCommunity Expert
                Community Expert
                June 11, 2015

                I'm jumping in here late. I never mess with the radius - never ever ever and it works every single time for me. Once I touch that radius slider the whole thing goes to hell. I teach my students to never touch the radius slider - ever. I have other instructors that use it well. I just doesn't work for me. The written tutorials are confusing IMO.

                I also think the refine edge gotten better with age, - although lately it's been working a little differently for me on an image I've been teaching with for a few years, and not for the better. Try just using the brush with no radius, a smallish brush.

                Melissa Piccone | Adobe Trainer | Online Courses Author | Fine Artist
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