I was going back through threads the other day and ran across one where it was noted that DIP didn't do layers and I was quite taken by suprise as I do layers all the time. So I said to myself "Self, maybe I should start dumping some DIP tips out there for those that use the program".
Some may know this stuff but for those that don't...enjoy.
Just a simple tip about working with the masking tools...often overlooked is the fact that you can skip about between the 5 tools which are Marque, Freehand, Edgefinder, Magic Wand and Selection brush.
When you select any of the above tools, a palette will open for that tool (If you do not see the palette after selecting one click on the Selection button to the left of the Masking tools).
Once the palette is visible click on the + (plus sign) to make your mask additive. (likewise - (minus) will subtract from your current mask and you can alternate between the + and -).
Once the + is depressed you are able to alternate between all five of the masking tools. For large areas use the Marquee and drag large areas to add to your mask. Use the Magic Wand to select large (like) colored areas and finally use the Freehand and selection brush (at 100 or 200% view) to do your detail work for the mask. It is way faster than to sit there tracing your object with the Edge Finder, but it can be used as well for some of the detail work.
Once you have your area masked you can delete the selected area by pressing delete, allowing you to slide a new background behind your unselected area...
...or you can do what I do which is to duplicate my masked area to a new layer. BUT I generally will mask a background as it is easier to do...meaning my mask has the background selected and I don't want that copied so on the Selection Palette I click on Invert which makes the subject the selection, press CTRL+D to copy the selected area to the top layer. The background is left intact so I can lighten, make transparent, or whatever to the top layer. Like wise I want to do a fake shallow DOF I would (gaussian) blur the background (bottom layer).
Photo just points out the 5 Selection (masking) tools and + on the Selection Palette.
Message edited by author 2005-11-28 02:41:55. |
