Multiple (separate) selections

[thedavegray]

Hi,

Fairly new user to PSP 2023 ultimate.

I have an image that has two objects that I would like to select and enhance, then blur the background. What I can't see how to
do is select one object, do the adjustments then select and work on the next. In fact I cannot see anyway to have two separate
selections active at once.

Do I need to split out into layers or something like that?

Thanks

[markkus]

An expert will probably be along shortly, however, my approach would be
- for each object, Select the object, then Selection -> Promote Selection to Layer
- deselect the two new layers, so you can work on the background.
- blur the background, or whatever you wish (Adjust -> Blur -> Gaussian Blur)
- now when you re-select the two promoted selections (layers) they will reappear unblurred
- You will have to merge all layers before producing a new edited jpeg (Layers -> Merge -> Merge All)

Quick attempt attached

[LeviFiction]

How are you selecting the objects? Take any selection tool and make sure the mode is set to "Add" or hold the SHIFT key while creating the selection. It'll "Add" to the current selection letting you select multiple areas of the image.

I do prefer to work on them separately, or at least promoting them to their own layer to be safe. If you've successfully selected both drones you can use the single command "Depth of Field" to adjust the bluring and simulate bokeh.

If you find it difficult to select multiple areas at once using the Add mode you can selection on item, promote it, select another item, promote it, and then merge the two layers together. Now you're working on a single layer that will get all edits at the same time.

My recommended workflow
1) Promote background layer so you're working non-destructively
2) Select each drone separately, and promote to new layer
3) After promoting to new layer select the copy of the background layer and use the "Magic Fill" to erase it from the background. This keeps the blurring from including the edges of the drones in the process.
4) Shift + click on the two drone layers and go Layers -> Merge -> Merge Selected
5) Deselect everything
6) Blur the backgournd
7) Edit the drone layer as you see fit.

[thedavegray]

An expert will probably be along shortly, however, my approach would be
- for each object, Select the object, then Selection -> Promote Selection to Layer
- deselect the two new layers, so you can work on the background.
- blur the background, or whatever you wish (Adjust -> Blur -> Gaussian Blur)
- now when you re-select the two promoted selections (layers) they will reappear unblurred
- You will have to merge all layers before producing a new edited jpeg (Layers -> Merge -> Merge All)

Quick attempt attached

Edited.jpg

Many thanks, that works a treat and makes perfect sense now you say it.

[thedavegray]

Hi,
I'm mostly using the freehand select with edge seeker. I find it works pretty well with virtually everything
whereas the other options sometimes work but it depends on the subject.

I like #3 you mentioned, not tried it yet but I can see how would work.

Thanks