Refine Edge tools

[Howard]

Hello all

Can anyone let me know how these tools work in the "Refine Edge" options.

• The select/deselect icons on the top left
• The smart radius option
  
• Does the radius slider work in conjunction with either of these?

 I have watched youtube videos etc but still don't seem to be able to make them work as expected, so I must be misunderstanding something.

When I use the icons to fine select hair for example, the results seem very random.

Any links, guidance etc. will be much appreciated.

Thank you.

[fotofrank]

Howard, here is the adobe link on the subject.

helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/using/making-selections.html

Selecting hair is never easy as it depends on the background you are selecting off of. The greater the contrast between the hair and the background the better the select. Better not perfect. Most tutorial will show you selecting hair from a solid color background.

Good Luck.

[Sepiana]

Howard,

The current Refine Edge in Elements was introduced in version 11 (brought over from Photoshop). In order to learn how to use it, I followed this video by Matt K. If you haven't seen it, give it try.

Making Killer Selections in Photoshop Elements 11

[Howard]

Both those were helpful to a degree thank you and helped to make it a little clearer.
I suspect my expectations are a bit too high when it comes to low contrast and very fine detail.
Plus I need to have more patience until I get it right. It is a virtue after all, as my mum used to tell me.