Cutting Images from Background (part 2)

Paint Shop Pro Image Tutorials | Submited Nov 16, 2007

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We have already covered how to cut out an image in Part 1 - Part 2 will show you how to cut out the small sections of images (ie like in between elbows etc) that often get overlooked.

1. Open up your image and using the keyboard take a copy > Ctrl-C. Then you can minimise or close down your original image.


2. On your selections tools choose the "freehand" selection tool - and choose your settings (see part 1).


3. Zoom in on your image so that you can see what you are cutting. Find a starting point do a single left click. Slowly trace around the entire outer image , continually single left clicking the mouse as you go. When you have traced around all of your image (ie reached your starting point) double left click. You should have a marquee (moving lines) surrounding your image. Example :


4. Using the key board take a copy > Ctrl-C
Using the keyboard "paste as new image" > shift-ins (insert)
The image should now be on a transparent background. Example:


This image still has some of the original background which has to be removed. To do this - select your "freehand" selection tool. This time choose the following settings (this is one of the rare occasions when a lower feather size is needed).


5a. Now hold down the SHIFT key (do not let go until all you have finished tracing around all the sections that need to be removed).

b. Choose your starting point (I will start with the section between Alyssa Milano's arm) left click and slowly trace around the entire section between her arms. Example:

c. Still making sure that the you are holding down the SHIFT key, move across to the next section to be cut out, left click and slowly trace around the section.

Repeat point c. until all the sections have been traced around. You should now have an image that looks like this with all the sections with a marquee (moving lines) around them.


6. Click on the eraser tool and choose your settings. Example:


7. Now simply left click in section that is selected by the marquee tool and keep left clicking until all the background has been erased.

8. Your image should now be completely transparent and look like this.


9. Using the keyboard deselect the marquee ... Ctrl-D.

Your image is now ready to be added to any background you wish.