Learn how to use Photoshop's Feather Edges tool to give a cutout subject softer (rather than sharper) edges, which will make it easier to blend the object into a new background.
A Photoshop effect called Feather Edges offers a cutout subject delicate edges, making it easier to blend it into fresh backgrounds.
The new layer won't effectively merge into a composite image if the selection has sharp edges rather than soft edges.
The smooth, somewhat blurred margins of the outline will naturally combine layers when using feathering.
When making collages or photo composites, this editing tip comes in helpful.
Continue reading to discover how to use Photoshop's Feather Edges Action to feather edges.
Four steps to using the Feather Edges tool in Photoshop
Step 1: open your image
Open Photoshop and choose the image you want to alter.
Step 2: selection tool
Select the region you want to use Feather Edges to cut out using a Selection Tool.
For this editing task, we'll create a feather effect on a circular cut-out using the Elliptical Marquee Tool.
Use the Rectangle Marquee Tool if you'd rather have a rectangular selection for your feather effect.
Drag the Marquee Tool over the area you want to pick after clicking on the canvas. To make the selection, let go of the pointer.
Once chosen, marching ants will encircle your selection area.
Step 3: feather effect
Navigate to the top menu bar and pick Select from the drop-down menu to feather your selection. Choose Select and Mask next.
Alternately, select Select and Mask from the Marquee Tool Options menu in the canvas window's upper right corner.
A Properties Dialog Box will open once you click Select and Mask.
On the Properties Tab, scroll down. The only dial that has to be changed to produce a feathered edge is the Feather Dial, which can be found under Global Refinements.
To increase or reduce the feather radius, move the Feather Dial bar to the left or right. The Select and Mask canvas window will let you see the changes as you make them.
When you have the proper feather radius selected, click OK in the Properties tab's bottom right corner.
Step 4: copy and paste
When you click OK, you might be shocked to realize that all of your Feather Edges edits have vanished, but don't worry—they're still there.
We must Copy and Paste from the main image to find and use the cut-out selection with feathered edges.
Select Edit from the top menu bar, then select Edit > Copy, and Edit > Paste.
You can also use the keyboard shortcuts to copy: hold down the Command key while pressing C (on a Mac) or hold down the Ctrl key while pressing C. (for Windows).
For Mac, hold Command and press P, or hold Ctrl and press P to paste (for Windows).
You can now utilize your feathered selection in picture composites because it has been pasted into a new layer that is visible in the layers panel.
Your subject is now ready to be copied and pasted into fresh compositions or collages with feathery edges.
Now, whenever you want to provide a smoother transition of a subject from one background to another in Photoshop, you may do it by using Feather Edges.
In Photoshop, how do you refine edges?
Open your image and select Select > Select, then Mask from the top menu bar.
Alternately, use the Marquee Tool or Lasso Tool and select the Select and Mask option from the Options Menu bar.
When you click, the Select and Mask Properties page opens with options for modifying the selection's edges.
You can refine edges using the drop-down menu under Global Refinements.
To smooth, feather, contrast, and/or shift edge, use the slide bars.
The canvas pane for Select and Mask allows you to see the alterations.
Make the necessary changes to your image's edges, then click OK to save them.