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Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/19/2004 09:22:49 PM · #1

Hello!
I was wondering how I can use custom shapes, lay them over a shot & then have that shape be the cut out of the shot?
Basically I want to take a circle, layer it over a picture, let's say the head, & then do something in able to get rid og all the picture except for what the cirle covers, in this case the head. Can this be done?
I have these cool actions that allow me to do it but I am unable to replicate it for other shapes.
Anhy help, preferably steps would be much appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

08/19/2004 09:34:22 PM · #2

Can you create a selection based on the shape you have? If so, create the selection, then inverse it, feather if necessary, and hit the Delete key.

A simple example using the Elliptical Marquee tool... create a circle, select inverse, feather by 50, hit delete.

ButterflySis

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

08/19/2004 09:37:25 PM · #3

If you are trying to create a path, you can use the pen tool to make the unique shape. Then, click on the third button from the left (while on the path window) "Load Path As Selection". This will give you the marching ants selection. Then select inverse and do what dwterry suggested.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

08/19/2004 09:43:28 PM · #4

cool. Where can I inverse a custom shape?

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

08/19/2004 09:45:30 PM · #5

Originally posted by Rooster:

cool. Where can I inverse a custom shape?

Select> Inverse

You can also select any shape you want, copy your image, then Paste Into from the Edit menu.

Sigma 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical HF for Sigma

08/19/2004 09:51:48 PM · #6

okay... when I use my custom shape, it automatically select a layer style. Why? It also does not highlight invers. What is I doing worng, here!?

16point2mm

Sigma SD9

08/19/2004 10:30:20 PM · #7

As with everything in Photoshop, there are any number of ways to do these things, but this is one technique. Note, there are easier ways to do this using the Channels or Paths palettes, but this is the down & dirty way that I first learned -- it's the better option for beginners to this type of work.

- Create a new, empty layer over the picture you want to "crop" or "frame".

- Press "d" to be sure that you've returned to default colors (pure black & white), then create your shape on the blank layer.

- Your new shape will be a Vector Mask, and Photoshop only allows a few particular functions to be applied to vector objects. Choose "Layer > Rasterize > Vector Mask". This will turn your shape into a standard layer mask.

- With your shape layer still selected and your layer mask still highlighted, select "Image > Adjustments > Invert". At this point you should have your original image framed with your custom shape.

Ta-Da! Hope that helps.

08/19/2004 10:39:57 PM · #8

Originally posted by 16point2mm:

very cool! Thanks! that did the trick. Now I have to try & do that with multiple shapes!
Wish me luck!