Post by Sepiana on Oct 11, 2024 15:28:58 GMT
Question:
Using the Lasso tool (Lasso, Magnetic Lasso, Polygonal Lasso) can be a baffling experience for Elements users, particularly new ones. How and when do we use this tool?
Answer:
All three are well-designed and do a great job. The key to success is dependent on the nature of the subject being selected.
Lasso:
- Great for making loose selections, what I call "rough" selections.
- Selections which you plan to clean up later in your editing workflow.
Magnetic Lasso:
- Great for selecting subjects with well-defined edges.
- Prefers subjects which sharply contrast with the background.
- Won't do a good job selecting subjects with fuzzy edges (furry animals, flyaway hair, etc.)
- Doesn't like speed. Go slowly when laying down the anchor points; you will get better results.
- May need a helping hand. Increase the number of anchor points (Tool Options > Frequency).
Polygonal Lasso:
- Similar to the Magnetic Lasso as to the nature of the subjects being selected and the use of anchor points.
- Different because it creates segments which are perfectly straight lines.
- Not so "temperamental" as the Magnetic Lasso. Easier to keep under control.
Depending on the nature of the subject being selected, you may need to use more than one of these Lasso tools during your selection workflow, i.e., to switch from one to another.
Using the Lasso tool (Lasso, Magnetic Lasso, Polygonal Lasso) can be a baffling experience for Elements users, particularly new ones. How and when do we use this tool?
Answer:
All three are well-designed and do a great job. The key to success is dependent on the nature of the subject being selected.
Lasso:
- Great for making loose selections, what I call "rough" selections.
- Selections which you plan to clean up later in your editing workflow.
Magnetic Lasso:
- Great for selecting subjects with well-defined edges.
- Prefers subjects which sharply contrast with the background.
- Won't do a good job selecting subjects with fuzzy edges (furry animals, flyaway hair, etc.)
- Doesn't like speed. Go slowly when laying down the anchor points; you will get better results.
- May need a helping hand. Increase the number of anchor points (Tool Options > Frequency).
Polygonal Lasso:
- Similar to the Magnetic Lasso as to the nature of the subjects being selected and the use of anchor points.
- Different because it creates segments which are perfectly straight lines.
- Not so "temperamental" as the Magnetic Lasso. Easier to keep under control.
NOTE
Depending on the nature of the subject being selected, you may need to use more than one of these Lasso tools during your selection workflow, i.e., to switch from one to another.