Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Softening the edges of a selection
To smooth the hard edges of a selection, you can apply anti-alias-
ing or feathering, or use the Refine Edge option.
Anti-aliasing
smooths the jagged edges of a selection by soften-
ing the color transition between edge pixels and background
pixels. Since only the edge pixels change, no detail is lost. Anti-
aliasing is useful when cutting, copying, and pasting selections to
create composite images.
Anti-aliasing is available for the Lasso, Polygonal Lasso, Mag-
netic Lasso, Elliptical Marquee, and Magic Wand tools. (Select
the tool to display its options in the options bar.) To apply anti-
aliasing, you must select the option before making the selection.
Once a selection is made, you cannot add anti-aliasing to it.
Feathering
blurs edges by building a transition boundary between
the selection and its surrounding pixels. This blurring can cause
some loss of detail at the edge of the selection.
You can define feathering for the marquee and lasso tools as you
use them, or you can add feathering to an existing selection.
Feathering effects become apparent when you move, cut, or copy
the selection.
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To use the Refine Edge option, first make a selection, and then
click Refine Edge in the options bar to open its dialog box.
You can use the Refine Edge option to smooth the outline,
feather it, or contract or expand it.
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To use anti-aliasing, select a lasso tool, or the Elliptical Mar-
quee or Magic Wand tool, and select Anti-alias in the options
bar.
•
To define a feathered edge for a selection tool, select any of
the lasso or marquee tools. Enter a Feather value in the options
bar. This value defines the width of the feathered edge and can
range from 1 to 250 pixels.
•
To define a feathered edge for an existing selection, choose
Select > Modify > Feather. Enter a value for the Feather Radi-
us, and click OK.
