Let's talk masking

[bazzah]

So I often wonder, how do you guys mask objects in Photoshop? Do you use the path tool, or do you free hand with brushes? Or does it depend on what type of image you are masking? Personally I mostly use a hard round brush for masking people and use the pen tool for solid objects, such as cars.

Personal tip: Use the blur tool on your mask layer afterwards, to blend your image to the background.

[Paris]

I've started using this, but usually use the pen tool:

https://www.remove.bg

[xshoty]

QUOTE (Paris @ Oct 3 2020, 12:53 PM) I've started using this, but usually use the pen tool:

https://www.remove.bg

Does it work good or its crap ?

[Nightrider]

I use channels, calculations and levels to start then a free hand soft edge brush but with the shift key on straight edges then move into a hard brush, I use opacity on fine areas like the very outer parts of hair etc but back with the soft edge and a bit of blur at the end.
The Remove Background option in Photoshop is nice and handy for little things and has worked pretty well on sharp or straight edged objects, little bit of a tidy up and good to go.

[Jazzy]

I use the pen tool...

[ctaulbee]

I use many methods, as no single one works well for everything, you have to match the method to the subject matter or that's been my experience anyway.

[M0vieM0nster]

I also use a variety of options and it usually depends on the image

[Kernie]

Pen Tool for solid objects. It's tedious, but there's no better way to make sure you're getting an accurate extraction.

For non-solid or heavily detailed objects (hair, fur, trees, grass, etc.), I use a variety of methods to produce a silhouette that can be used as a mask.

Quite often, it's a mixture of the Pen Tool and other methods on the same image, combining them all to get the mask silhouette.

On occasion, I will use things like the Magic Wand, or Select Subject, or Remove Background. But I find using Photoshop's AI features to be problematic and I have to fix a lot of errors that arise. These shortcuts are good for quick comps or low-res graphics, but are not ideal on high-res posters and such.

Unfortunately, there is no perfect shortcut for a good mask. The hardest, most tedious way is still the best. At least for now, anyway (Photoshop's always improving, maybe someday an automated command will be perfect).

[zorbic]

In Photoshop pen tool.
However for a more recent cover I trialled Affinity Photo.
The masking seemed quite good and was better than Photoshop for things like hair.
I am yet to fully develop my opinion of the programme though because it has a few quirks (as does Photoshop).
Hopefully I'll get some more free time soon and I'll work on another cover using Affinity Photo from the start to see how it goes.

[bazzah]

Thanks for all your inputs guys