Remove Backgrounds

[redharleymn]

I'm using Paint Shop X4 and I can't figure out how I can cut an object from a photo.

If you look at the attachment; I want to cut out the "gauge" from the picture and save it to another file.

Can someone help me?

Thanks.

[LeviFiction]

PSPX4 has a few different options.

1) Selections, since this shape is more or less geometric you might be able to get away with just being able to use an elliptical selection. Invert the selection so it's selecting everything but the gague and then using the "Clear" command.

Sometimes similar tools such as the magic wand might work if the background area is closer to a solid color.

2) Background Remover Brush - this brush is designed to "intelligently" erase some areas of the image and leave others alone based on the colors it's sampling as you use it. Because the Gauge is so different from the background you might be able to utilize this option with a fair amount of success. Though you'll want to have a good high sharpness setting like 70 or 75.

3) Object Extractor - Under the Image menu is the Object Extractor filter. What this does is it allows you to outline the object you want to keep, fill it in so PSP knows how much of the inside shape it should keep and then it attempts to smartly remove the rest of the background for you.

Obviously these aren't clear good descriptions but they are three of your options.

[redharleymn]

Thanks for your help.

[Sal]

I learned this in the Corel training book entitled "Picture Yourself Learning Corel PSPX2" - With a round object such as the gauge in your pic, I use: (Layer must be "Background Layer" to begin with)-- "Layers, Promote Background Layer (layer switches to Raster Layer), Preset Shape Tool on Tools Options Toolbar, select the Eclipse, drag out circle to fit around the gauge (color used will be Background Color you have selected in Materials Palette, as suggested in the book, lower opacity so you can see the area you need to encircle, after selection is made, you will be able to use Pick Tool and resize the eclipse if needed) - (eclipsed area becomes Vector Layer), Selections, From Vector Object, Image, Crop to Selection, another "new image appears (which saves the original altogether), click on Vector Layer in new image and Delete Layer." You're done, you have the gauge in a transparent layer - save as png or psp image for future use.


Moderator Note - Sal , please RUN the programme Belarc Advisor and fill in the details it provides in your profile

[teknisyan]

Here's a detailed info on how to extract or cut out image areas. Just visit http://pnoy.me/jZ

[brucet]

I 'cut out' rather complicated objects because I haven't been happy with many of the 'built in' features. They don't give me a clean enough edge. (I work with hot rod photos and they have many details that would get erased).

So I go to the selection tool. Select point to point and work my way around the object. (Zoom right in to get the best results). Then I simply copy the object or jump to the eraser and erase everyting else.

But the good thing is that PSP gives you many ways to acheive the same results.