Help with edges

mik0m

mik0m

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mick
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I have been banging head against a brick wall regarding this for the last few days without success. I have selected a curved shape and cut it out but through my lack of finesse the edge looks like a range of hills.


jagged curve by michaelm24, on Flickr

The problem Im trying to solve is how best to attain a smooth shape/edge as I seem to be incapable of resolving this ( I am not familiar with the pen tool btw so I haven't really explored this as an option) Ive looked for help through tutorials on the web but cant seem to find this specific problem addressed. If there is anyone who can help out there I would be very thankful for any advice
 
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Thanks for those ..I'll take a look through them.. however if someone would like to share a tried and trusted technique would be grateful
 
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I've tried all sorts and only ever had any success at isolating with the pen tool.

I find gimp's pen tool the easiest by far to use.

this was an early one, probably took me 10 minutes, could do it in 2-3 now as I am more practiced.

p161745644-3.jpg


I go around the object clicking away placing the nodes, at about 300% magnification, placing them at random intervals but trying to pick out natural corners etc.

The go around and drag the path connecting the nodes into place by dragging the line and adjusting the grab handles, this is where practice comes in.

Once I am happy that the path follows the outline of the object convert it to a selection

Invert the selection and feather the edge.

Delete and the object is isolated on the background colour.

Nothing else I have tried gives results that are accurate enough, I would love to be corrected though!
 
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thank you..looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and start to learn pen tool then...your image looks great btw exactly the smoothness of edge I long to achieve..don't know about Gimp as again something out my range of experience.. but will certainly give your technique a go.. thanks again
 
In select refine edge theres a smooth option (in photoshop) that might help also a little bit of feather will also soften the edge.
 
+1 on the pen tool, it really excels at this type of selection.

The problem I think is that its not very intuitive and its not something you can pick up that easily by just having a play around.

Maybe consider putting an hour aside and working through a tutorial, and really get to grips with it...its actually pretty easy if you get the basics, there was an excellent video over on kelby training
 
Thank you to you all for your helpful advice. I can honestly say that even at this early stage I am beginning to wonder how I have left to one side the pen tool without realising what it actually does. I'm sure it is a thing of wonder when used correctly and does exactly what I require when used in tandem with refine edge controls in the selection menu.

All I have to do now it learn how to gain some kind of control over the thing :) as it will insist on shooting all over the place seemingly at will

Thanks again
 
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