Quick selection tool selects entire image

[billk13354615]

Elements 11, MBP OSX10-12-6. I've been fighting this for quite some time. I photograph knives on a white background. I'll typically use the quick selection tool to outline the object (knife) and back fill with paint bucket. It appears that the blades of the knife are light enough so the software is fooled into thinking it's part of the background. It can take me up to two hours to manipulate the software to do what I want it to do.

How can I prevent the QST from selecting the image?

[hatstead]

billk13354615  wrote

It appears that the blades of the knife are light enough so the software is fooled into thinking it's part of the background.

It would help if you post a representative file for us to look at. You can do that by clicking on the "Insert Image" icon at the top of the forum reply box.

In the meantime, try one or both of the following:

1. Activate the Magic wand tool, click anywhere on the white background to select it, then delete the background. Note that this tool allows one to opt for "contiguous" or not. Also the tolerance can be adjusted. 32 is default - play with it in order to optimize.
2. Another tool to try is the Magnetic lasso tool, used to select the foreground (knife). Again, on the tool's option bar one can tailor the settings. Start out with Feather 0, Width 5px, Contrast 3%, Frequency 57.

[billk13354615]

It will also select the knife bolsters as well.

[billk13354615]

I'm unable to find the magic wand in Elements 11. From what I've read it should be where the quick selection tool is.

[billk13354615]

Whoops found the magic wand thanks.

[hatstead]

I'm away from my computer. Post a picture file and I will work on it in the a.m.

Sent from my iPad

[hatstead]

I boosted the contrast on this low resolution screen shot

Used the Magic wand tool to select the knife, and placed it on a new layer (CTRL+J)

Placed a blank layer below the layer with the knife and filled with pattern for new background. You can use anything to suit - e.g. color, gradient, etc.

It may be advantageous for your purpose to photograph the knives on a background with more contrast. Also, consider purchasing or making a small light box so that you have better control of the lighting.