Extract Tool

May 28, 2003 | Other Tool Techniques, Photoshop Tutorials

Open image of choice in Photoshop, particularly one with a fine/wavy hair line.
  1. Choose Filter/Extract or Ctrl + Alt + X to load the Extract Window.
    Click Here to see image.
  2. Select the Highlighter Tool and paint around the edge of the hair line.
    Choose the Red Color Fill and a reasonable brush size of 4.
    Zoom in to capture those hard to see fly-away’s, Shift + -(symbol) to Zoom out again.
    Click Here to see image.
  3. Then use the Fill Tool to fill the areas you want to retain. Have the Fill color set to blue.
    Click Here to see image.
  4. Presto! An easy extraction for such a complicated picture.
    I’ve added a neutral background color so you can see the contrast/difference.