Magnetic lasso

[drbombay]

When using this tool with photos, I find that it captures some of the inside pixels of the image. I wind up giving up and using the eraser tool which takes forever and the result is poor.

Can someone give me some clues to use this tool correctly?

Thanks,
DrBombay

[Phil_The_Rodent]

I remember a discussion many months ago about favourite tools/least favourite tools. I think the magnetic lasso got a resounding "nay"... I'd say try using your quick mask or learning how to use the pen is a better way to go (I'd use either depending on the purpose).

[Urban Grafix®]

Yup...Quick mask or the pen tool is the way to go...Perhaps the extracting tool also at times...Colin has a tutorial on the extracting tool on the main tutoriual page...go check it

[Rainer]

Leave that lasso alone. the pen tool is probebly the best, just have to get the turn. The quick mask mode is good for complex selections, like hair.
ooops, it's the same answer as me buddies above.
you can use it if there's much contrast between the subject and the bg, but then the magic wand could do this

[Edited on 22-12-2002 by Rainer]

[Phil_The_Rodent]

Actually, if you take a couple minutes to quickly sift through the channels, often there will be one in CMYK or RGB mode that will contain the separation you want (rather than using the composite channel). All you need is to duplicate it, paint in the rest of it to make it the mask you want, make it a selection rather than a channel, and use it as a mask...

[drbombay]

I just wanted to thank all who replied to my problem. Looks like I have some book reading to do. What I really need is a mentor nextdoor. Be well & prosper.