3.6 Using The Quick Mask to Mask Simple Objects - Adobe photoshop cs4 video

For images with well defined edges, masking is simple. In addition with using Selection tools, users can use the Quick Mask mode to mask an image. Before we get started on using the Quick Mask to mask simple objects, let us open data file, masking_simple.psd Afterward go to the Tools panel, and select the Editing Quick Mask mode button. Then, select the Brush tool. Go to the Options bar, and increase the hardness to about 30%. Afterward in the Tools panel, click on the default foreground and background colors. To mask the butterfly, all you have to do is paint it, but be cautious of the edges. To fix the edges, go back to the Tools panel, and toggle the foreground and background color. Make sure that the foreground color is white, then using your mouse fix the straight edges of the butterfly. Go ahead and continue touching up the edges until you are satisfied. Once you are finished, go back to the Tools panel, and click on Edit in Standard mode button. Double click on the Layers panel, then with Layer 0 selected, click on the add layer mask button located on the bottom of the Layers panel. Now double click on the Masks panel, and click on the Invert button. You have successfully masked the butterfly. To touch up the edges a little bit more, click on the Mask Edge button. Let us drag the Refine Mask dialog box over to the right so you can see your image. Then click on the different preview selections, in order to see how your masked object looks against different types of background. Let us refine the mask against a black background. Drag the Contract Expand slider to the left until it reaches about negative fourty. Then unchecked the preview button to see what it looks like before and after. Once you are satisfied, click on the OK button. You can again double click on the Layers panel to see the layer mask.