Codezwiz >> Forums >> Graphics Help >> Super Frustrated

I'm using PS CS to try to get the tree outta this pic. I've tried the magic wand and I've tried extracting it. With each attempt it comes out looking like *&%$. Is there another method that I can try or is this project doomed? Any help would be greatly apprieciated.

Well, you've picked a picture that's going to take alot of time and even more patience to extract. Good luck!!! LOL

Have you tried using the pen tool and a vector mask?

I've found this is the easiest and most foolproof way to extract images out of their backgrounds because if you mess up, you can color it back in on the layer mask and nothing actually disappears until you commit the layer mask.

Here's a brief run down on how to do it.

1. Select your pen tool. Make sure the "Create a new shape area" button is clicked in the top menu.

2. Start outlining your tree (the part you want to keep). You only want to go around the outside of the tree at this point.

3. Once you have that done, click on the "Subtract from shape area" button and start outlining the inner areas (the parts of the background you want to get rid of).

4. When you have everything outlined, right click inside the shape area you just made and choose make selection.

5. Go to your layers pallette and click the "Add vector mask" at the bottom.

Voila! As long as you've outlined properly, everything you don't want should disappear.

Note: Steps 1 and 2 are going to be the hardest to do and take the most time. You'll probably want to zoom in really close so you can get as close to the edges of the tree limbs as possible.

If you're happy with the way it turned out, you're done. More than likely, you'll need to do some touching up. If you look at your layer in the layers pallette, you'll see a layer mask thumbnail displayed on your layer. Make sure that thumbnail is selected. Zoom in on your image and take a tiny brush and paint with white to bring back parts of your image or black to erase parts. Once you're happy with your image, right click on the layer mask thumbnail and apply the layer mask.

Kelly - Love that tut - You should put that in the KB!! Do you have one of those for psp7?

Recoil - Whatcha' doin' with that tree anyway? Looks kinda spooky when you take it out of its surroundings.......

Thanks Kelli for taking the time to write a tut

I'll post results.

Tuffy, I'm using it in a sig for a friend for halloween

Lol.. Maybe you should just try a new tree render? Or do you already got it?

I have too many irons in the fire i guess bro, my site is down and that takes priority rite now. But, I don't give up very easily and will try to get this done after our site is working again.

lol - here are my mental diversions....not perfect but a great learning experience!!

Let me know whatcha think!

awesome! good job! i've been working 16's and i have no tyyyyyme for nething fun much nemore

Well I sure do hope you get some time to play

As in the shining: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"

Incredible work Tuffy! You must have a lot of patience to accomplish something as tedious as this

. Fantastic job -
echo