Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
lection. If you would rather not use a key modifier, you can make these choices in the Options bar, and not
have to use the Shift key or Alt/Option key. The benefit to using the key modifiers is that you do not get un-
expected results if you accidently leave the default at a different selection in the Options bar.
Covering up a non-perfect selection
In the previous exercise, you created a rather quick selection, and then went back to improve it by adding
and deleting to the selected area. There are many methods that you can use to create selections; the Lasso
tool is not the most precise, but it still works in an emergency and is suitable if you want to feather or ap-
ply a vignette to the edges of your selections. Using the Properties panel you can interactively feather, or
soften, the edges of your layer mask.
1
If you do not see the Properties panel, choose Windows > Properties. The Properties panel is a dynam-
ic panel that changes depending upon your selection. Since you still have your layer mask selected,
the Layers panel shows the properties of your mask. In this lesson, you will feather the selection to
soften the edges.
2
Click and drag the slider control in the Feather slider over to the right until it reaches the 5 mark, or
type
5
in the Feather text box. Notice how the edges of your selection are softened.
Soften the edges by feathering the mask.
The result.
A great feature of the Properties panel is that it lets you easily remove the feathering on the layer
mask by sliding the slider back to 0 (zero).
3
Experiment adding more and less feathering to your mask by using the Feather slider. When you are
finished experimenting, return to the 5 value.
4
Choose File > Save, and then File > Close.
About the Quick Selection tool
