Also there are several ways of doing it much quicker. If you have a nice background that has good contrast with what you are trying to extract from an image you can use the Extract tool. Filter ---> Extract. You can also used a technique called Highpass if you have less contrast in an image. That one is actually a bit complicated so I won't explain it since most of the time since you are working with smaller images for sigs you can use either the extract tool or just normal polygon tool.
Also there are several ways of doing it much quicker. If you have a nice background that has good contrast with what you are trying to extract from an image you can use the Extract tool. Filter ---> Extract. You can also used a technique called Highpass if you have less contrast in an image. That one is actually a bit complicated so I won't explain it since most of the time since you are working with smaller images for sigs you can use either the extract tool or just normal polygon tool.
Similarly, you can also use Magic Wand. However, with those methods, you tend to get a very rough edge to the render where Photoshop decided to select pixels (and they only work on images where the render contrasts highly with the background, as you said). Sometimes it turns out well, but I prefer spending a little more time to get really sharp, nice looking lines and curve using Polygonal Lasso.
the magic wand is only good on items on a clear white black blue background. And even then if its a plane, you usually cut pixel chunks out of the cocpit and other lighter or darker areas. Polygonal Lasso FTW!
The basic lasso might, because nobody's wrist can possibly be steady enough to cut out an entire render, but Polygonal Lasso (right click on the lasso icon and toggle it) works miracles. You can do amazingly straight lines (something Extract and the Magic Wand nearly always mess up) and smooth curves (granted, with a little practice) on any background (Extract and Magic Wand screw up, as you say, on anything that is not sharply contrasting with the background).
I must say those turned out very well for using the magnetic lasso tool. Usually I use the pen tool, which is the most tedious, but in my opinion gives you the best results.
The basic lasso might, because nobody's wrist can possibly be steady enough to cut out an entire render, but Polygonal Lasso (right click on the lasso icon and toggle it) works miracles. You can do amazingly straight lines (something Extract and the Magic Wand nearly always mess up) and smooth curves (granted, with a little practice) on any background (Extract and Magic Wand screw up, as you say, on anything that is not sharply contrasting with the background).
Actually you are wrong. The extract tool is very effective if used well. You can use the edge touch up and the art history brush to make it a beautiful cut-out. All comes down to what your better at.
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