Dividing subject from the background

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM III

09/21/2006 10:18:20 AM · #1

Ok, here's the question!
I'm using Photoshop to divide subject(cartoon character)from the completely white background. I'm using Magic wand tool. It traces the edges of the subject perfectly. But what should I select next in order to split it from the background. The questions is pretty stupid but I cannot get the answer myself.
thanks

shutterfly

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

09/21/2006 10:27:25 AM · #2

Once you have your selection, you might want to feather it a few pixels, then you can cut, or copy it into a new layer. Thats how I would do it.

KaDi

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

09/21/2006 10:38:16 AM · #3

I agree with shutterfly that you might want to feather it...
...then, if the background is selected hit "delete" (if the subject is selected invert the selection first)
...you could also fill the background with the color of your choice

Can we see what you're working on?

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

09/21/2006 10:44:24 AM · #4

Originally posted by KaDi:

Can we see what you're working on?

I don't know how to show it as it's on my hard disk and I don't have the hosting site?!

P.S. I'm still strugglin with it ;-)

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

09/21/2006 10:48:15 AM · #5

Copy the selection, create a new layer, paste your selection. NOW it will be totally isolated from the bg.

09/21/2006 10:54:53 AM · #6

Originally posted by idnic:

create a new layer

Now, this is the )@#*&#@$ problem. I can do this with a "normal" photograph, but with this one- nono. This option is not accesible. It's a bmp image, I guess that's why?!

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

09/21/2006 10:58:07 AM · #7

Originally posted by Zigomar:

... It's a bmp image, I guess that's why?!

File, Save As...JPG? ;^)

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro for Canon

09/21/2006 11:01:24 AM · #8

[/quote]
File, Save As...JPG? ;^) [/quote]

Nope! Jpg is not listed as an option. You see, I tried everything before posting here!
Strange thing! I think it must be something rather stupid with this problem.

mecfcosta

Canon EOS-30D

09/21/2006 11:03:52 AM · #9

Could it be that it's a 16bit image or not a RGB?

09/21/2006 11:08:43 AM · #10

Originally posted by mecfcosta:

Could it be that it's a 16bit image or not a RGB?

It's an 8bit image. it IS RGB.

Message edited by author 2006-09-21 11:11:26.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

09/21/2006 11:14:48 AM · #11

How about opening it in the standard Windows Paint application, then try to save a copy of it in another format (i.e. JPG).

What are the properties of the image/file? Is it read only?