Vector Mask

[bazzah]

Vector masks are really useful for masking images, as they allow you to be able to adjust your mask with precision. Here is a quick guide.

Select the Pen Tool (P) and select Path from the top drop down menu. Also make sure Auto Add/Delete is selected.

[attachment=45825:selectpath.jpg]

Draw your path around your object, and then right click and select Create Vector Mask. Some useful keys while drawing your path are the arrow keys to make micro adjustments to your path. You can also hold CTRL to adjust any point of your path while you are still drawing it. The Space bar is also useful to move around the image, if you are zoomed in.

[attachment=45821:drawpath.jpg]

If you have any parts of the unwanted background left, like in between E.T's fingers here, just draw another path and it will be subtracted (make sure you have Auto Add/Delete selected)

[attachment=45824:removebackground.jpg]

If you have any parts of the background left visible on the edges of your masked image, you can now use the Direct Selection Tool to adjust the edges of your vector mask.

[attachment=45826:unwantededges.jpg] [attachment=45823:fixed_edges.jpg]

Hopefully you now have a perfectly masked image

[attachment=45822:finish.jpg]

[sauron]

Great tutorial Baz! I need to start using vector masks more!

Thanks for sharing this

[abendhei]

for sharing

[ripley]

QUOTE (sauron @ Jul 28 2021, 11:25 PM) Great tutorial Baz! I need to start using vector masks more!

Thanks for sharing this

+1

[bazzah]

You are welcome all. I hope it is useful to someone

[VincentLupo]

Nice tutorial.