Retouching: Fine-Tuning Images - Photoshop Elements 13: The Missing Manual - page 474

leaves to fill in a bare spot on a branch, or replace a knothole in a fence board with good
wood. But if you want to duplicate larger objects, use the Content-Aware Move tool (de-
scribed next) instead.
▪ The Content-Aware Move tool , which is explained on The Content-Aware Move Tool ,
is your go-to tool when you need to duplicate a missing feature. For instance, if you need
to replace a damaged table leg, follow the directions on The Content-Aware Move Tool
to duplicate it on a new layer, and then use the Transform commands ( Transforming
Images ) to make it fit perfectly.
▪ The new Content-Aware Fill command lets you replace the contents of a selection with
new material that Elements creates based on its analysis of your image. This feature
doesn't always work, but when it does, it saves you an incredible amount of time. It's de-
scribed starting on Content-Aware Fill .
Most of these features work similarly: You drag them over the area you want to change (and
then, if you're using the Content-Aware Move tool, drag your selection to the new location).
It's as simple as using a paintbrush. In fact, you have to choose a brush like the ones you'll
learn about in Chapter 12 . Selecting a brush is pretty straightforward; you learn the basics in
this chapter. The Content-Aware Fill command is a little different in that you make a selec-
tion with any selection tool(s) and then use the command to create your fill.
TIP
To smooth out blotchy or blemished skin, check out the Surface Blur filter explained on
Improving Skin Texture with Surface Blur . It's a good one to try for minor touch-ups that
affect large areas. In contrast, the tools described in this section are better for fixing indi-
vidual imperfections, like pimples or scars.
The Spot Healing Brush
The Spot Healing Brush is great at fixing minor blemishes like pimples, lipstick smudges,
lint, and so on. Simply paint over the area you want to repair, and Elements searches the sur-
rounding regions and blends them into the spot where you're brushing. Figure 9-2 shows
what a great job this tool can do.