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clareb32062298
Participant
July 27, 2017
Answered

why does the background eraser tool keep making rectangles?

  • July 27, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 493 views

I cant figure out how this background tool works,

when I select find edges it just doesn't at all.

So i've resorted to doing it by hand but every time I move on it somehow turns the area into a rectangle

then when I move on it does this

any help would be greatly appreciated!

I know this is a tricky one to cut out, but I had difficulty even with block colours of images I got from the internet etc

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Norman Sanders

    The problem, in part, is that you are working at 16.75% of size. In addition, your choise of tools should be reconsidered. First, I suggest that you work in a size far closer to 100% or more. You may move the view of the image segment around on your monitor as you work by holding down the space bar as you shift to another segment of tne image. Next, an eraser is an unforgiving tool. Use one a method that allows for editing your work. One approach is as follows:

    1. Place a blank layer below your image layer

    2. Return to the image layer and use the Quick Selection tool (it is nested with the Magic Wand) to select the background area. If it impinges in a local are, hold down the Option key and paint to restore the area. Be as precise as possible, but don't fret if certain areas cannot be selected adequately. You will fix it in the next step.  When the selection is complete...

    3. Click on the Quick Mask Mode (right below the color patches in the Tools section). Paint with a sharp edged brush… in black to add red in white to remove red to refine you selection. When the editing is complete click on Quick Mask again to return to the marching ants. You can repeat this process as often as necessary.

    4. Save your selection by choosing Select > Save Selection, so that, if necessary, you may edit your selection some time in the future without starting from scratch.

    5. Now, back at Layers and with the marching ants showing, hit Delete to eliminate the Background. Then, deselect the marching ants.

    Another option would be to  make the selection using the Pen tool. I suspect you are not ready for that  yet.

    2 replies

    Chuck Uebele
    Community Expert
    Chuck UebeleCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 27, 2017

    I would agree with Norman. The background eraser tool is one of the last tools I would use to cut out a background. Using masks is much more flexible in that you can correct your mistakes easily, even after the file has been save - providing you don't flatten it. The thing that caught my eye on your screen shot is that your layer thumbnail has no image in it. I should show the contents of your layer. I'm wondering if your preferences need to be reset.

    Norman Sanders
    Norman SandersCorrect answer
    Legend
    July 27, 2017

    The problem, in part, is that you are working at 16.75% of size. In addition, your choise of tools should be reconsidered. First, I suggest that you work in a size far closer to 100% or more. You may move the view of the image segment around on your monitor as you work by holding down the space bar as you shift to another segment of tne image. Next, an eraser is an unforgiving tool. Use one a method that allows for editing your work. One approach is as follows:

    1. Place a blank layer below your image layer

    2. Return to the image layer and use the Quick Selection tool (it is nested with the Magic Wand) to select the background area. If it impinges in a local are, hold down the Option key and paint to restore the area. Be as precise as possible, but don't fret if certain areas cannot be selected adequately. You will fix it in the next step.  When the selection is complete...

    3. Click on the Quick Mask Mode (right below the color patches in the Tools section). Paint with a sharp edged brush… in black to add red in white to remove red to refine you selection. When the editing is complete click on Quick Mask again to return to the marching ants. You can repeat this process as often as necessary.

    4. Save your selection by choosing Select > Save Selection, so that, if necessary, you may edit your selection some time in the future without starting from scratch.

    5. Now, back at Layers and with the marching ants showing, hit Delete to eliminate the Background. Then, deselect the marching ants.

    Another option would be to  make the selection using the Pen tool. I suspect you are not ready for that  yet.

    Norman Sanders
    Norman Sanders
    Legend
    July 27, 2017

    One last comment, Clare. You are going to have your hands full trying to make the card holder look transparent. If it is possible for you to reshoot this product on a very white background, it will save you considerable time in silhouetting (using the Blend If Command) and the card holder problem will be avoided because will carry a light tone slightly darker than the background. Good luck.

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