How to Use the Extract Filter in Photoshop
The Extract filter in Photoshop allows you to cut an image away from its background. For example, if you have a picture of a teddy bear against a pink blanket, the Extract filter lets you to keep the bear and get rid the blanket. Although there are a number of ways to extract objects in Photoshop, the Extract filter allows for a jagged edge and is especially useful for extracting images that include hair or fur.
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Instructions
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Open Photoshop, and open the file containing the image you wish to extract.
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Click on "Filter" at the top of the screen, and choose "Extract" from the drop-down menu. The filter should open a new screen. The Highlighter tool should automatically be selected. If it is not, click on the highlighter icon. This icon is located at the top of the column on the left-hand side of the image. It looks like a marker.
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Select the brush size you want to use. The selector is located to the right of the image. A larger brush size will result in a more jagged outline that includes detail around the edge of the image. Use this if you wish to include flyaway hair or fur. A smaller brush size will result in a cleaner outline. Use this if you want a hard edge. Select "Smart Highlighting" to help the highlighter stick to the edge of the image. This option also helps cover the entire edge, even if you are using a small brush.
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Outline the part of the image you wish to extract. Be sure to close the outline, or the extraction will not work properly.
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Use the Eraser tool on the left-hand side of the screen to get rid of any mistakes you made while highlighting. The third icon from the top, this tool is shaped like a pink, rubber school eraser.
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Select the Fill tool from the column to the left of the image. Second from the top, this tool looks like a paint bucket.
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Click inside the area you outlined. The area will fill with a different color, usually blue. This is the part of the image that will be extracted. Click on "Preview" at the right of the screen if you want to see what it will look like before you commit to any changes. If you are not satisfied, click "Cancel" and try again.
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Click "OK" to the right of the screen. This command will retain the image you outlined and get rid of the background.
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Tips & Warnings
The Extract filter is included only in Photoshop CS3 and earlier versions. It is available for CS4 in the form of a plug-in that is included on the installation disk or can be downloaded from the Adobe website (see Resources). For CS5, Adobe now recommends using the more efficient Refine Edge option.
References
Resources
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