drew
New Forum Member
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Post by drew on Oct 2, 2015 21:07:20 GMT
I watched an Adobe video about the new features in PSE 14. The one that got my attention was a tool to separate wisps of hair from the background.
Has anyone tried this in 14? Is it a worthwhile improvement over previous versions.
I've been using PSE 12 and was thinking about upgrading.
Thanks for any info!
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Post by Sepiana on Oct 3, 2015 1:14:28 GMT
Hi drew, welcome to PSE&M!
The Refine Selection Brush tool is a not a new feature in Elements 14. Adobe introduced it in Elements 13. What Adobe did in Elements 14 was to enhance this tool by adding additional controls.
I have used this tool (including the enhanced version in Elements 14). It works really well. However, I prefer using the Quick Selection tool to make selections involving fuzzy edges (hair, fur, etc.) and, then, using the updated Refine Edge feature in Elements (Select>Refine Edge), which was brought over from Photoshop and introduced in Elements 11, to fine-tune the selection edges. The Refine Edge feature in Elements 11 through 14 is far superior to this new tool. I would suggest you download the free trial of Elements 14 and test the waters. In this way, you will be able to make an informed decision, one based on your hands-on experience.
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drew
New Forum Member
Posts: 2
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Post by drew on Oct 3, 2015 1:53:47 GMT
Thanks for the welcome Sepiana!
I never really got into using the Refine Edge feature in 12, it seems like I had better study a bit on how to use it.
After I do a clean install of Windows 10 I plan on downloading the trial of Elements 14.
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Post by Sepiana on Oct 3, 2015 2:11:13 GMT
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Post by srmoment on Oct 3, 2015 16:58:29 GMT
...so I have a question regarding the selection tools. Typically I use the quick selection tool to do a quick run around my selection and then the selection tool to refine the edges. I have never found the refine selection tool to be that effective. The selection tool gives me the best control over what I select. (I have PE14). My question is this - Once I finish my selection, I save it so I don't lose my work. I then hit Ctrl J, make a copy of the selection, and defringe the layer by 1 pixel. I then create a new layer underneath the selection and make the new layer white. If I zoom in on the selection there are always smudges or smudged lines around the outside edges of my selection. Theoretically, I did not select these areas so why are marks showing up in them. I use the erase tool and clean everything up, but really.....why does this happen?
p.s. this is an issue because I often use my selections with different blending modes on a variety of textures and the smudges may or may not show up.
p.s.p.s. great videos by the way......it could be if I use the select to layer mask technique, the mask will hide all of the smudges........ my original question still stands though....
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Post by Sepiana on Oct 3, 2015 18:56:34 GMT
Pat,
I don’t have the technical knowledge to give you the "official" reason for this problem. So, here is a shot in the dark.
The Quick Selection tool works really well most of the time but, as with any other selection tool, not all the time; it all depends on the nature of the image you are working on. The Quick Selection tool is designed to select not only colors but also textures. It analyzes the image and automatically selects pixels which are similar (colors, textures, and patterns). However, for whatever reason, sometimes it gets a bit carried away, looks at pixels which are not adjacent to your selection, and selects them. So, I got into the habit of checking my selection before going to Select>Refine Edge. I zoom in, look for any "stray" marching ants, and subtract those pixels from my selection.
As to making selections -- Here is my usual workflow.
1. Use the Quick Selection tool (about 99.9% of the time).
2. With the selection still active, if necessary, fix any "stray" pixels.
3. Bring up Refine Edge.
4. Fine-tune the selection edges.
5. Output the selection as "New layer".
If I am dealing with a very intricate selection, I will output it as "New Layer with Layer Mask". In this way, if I notice there is still a halo/fringe around the selection edges when I place it on a new background, I will paint on the mask with a soft brush (black, Overlay mode) and get rid of it.
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Post by srmoment on Oct 4, 2015 2:41:43 GMT
Thanks Sepiana. It is always interesting to note (and learn from) other's processes. I do a lot of selecting, so will give your method a try.
I have found it a great time-saver to save my selections and then I can retrieve them, and add to or subtract from the selection as necessary.
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Post by Sepiana on Oct 4, 2015 2:45:47 GMT
Pat, you are most welcome!
I just love this updated Refine Edge. In the same dialog you can put the selection on its own layer and add a mask to it. It indeed streamlines the whole process.
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Post by kdcintx on Oct 4, 2015 19:48:09 GMT
If the only reason for upgrading from PSE 12 to 14 is the refine hair tool, then I don't think it's worth it. The Adobe video showing the selection of the lion's hair is an easy selection because the lion's hair is fairly dense and compact compared to a person with long, curly or frizzy hair flying around everywhere. There are other ways to select hair and trying the trial version might be the best thing as Sepiana said.
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Post by srmoment on Oct 4, 2015 21:40:47 GMT
I really like the remove haze feature in the new elements. It works on more than just the pictures with water haze.
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Post by Sepiana on Oct 4, 2015 21:59:24 GMT
I like the Remove Haze feature as well but I don't think this feature alone is enough reason to upgrade from Elements 12. There are many ways to remove haze in an image using Elements; they have proven to be quite effective.
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Post by Major Major on Oct 4, 2015 22:25:29 GMT
I like the Remove Haze feature as well but I don't think this feature alone is enough reason to upgrade from Elements 12. There are many ways to remove haze in an image using Elements; they have proven to be quite effective. Maybe you'd be kind enough to point us to some of them? |
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Post by Sepiana on Oct 4, 2015 22:59:56 GMT
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Post by Major Major on Oct 5, 2015 12:56:43 GMT
Thanks, Sepiana.
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Post by Sepiana on Oct 6, 2015 18:24:34 GMT
Craig, you are most welcome! Hope you find these tutorials helpful.
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