How to Smooth Edges in Photoshop
For photoshop experts, learning how to smooth edges in photoshop might not be a big deal, but it definitely will be a beginner if you are a beginner.
To fix rough edges and get smooth lines in photoshop, we need to learn how to blend edges in photoshop. So today, we will add another most awaited image editing lesson to our exclusive segment where we provide photoshop tutorials for beginners.
If you wish to smoothen edges or produce a blurring effect in photoshop, smooth edges can be helpful. It might be beneficial if you put together two photos or create a lovely perspective. You may also produce unique illustrations using this effect.
We already know the photoshop edge detection algorithm is one of the best in the business. That’s why we can see many different selection tools in photoshop, such as the magic wand tool, quick selection tool, pen tool, and many more.
We can easily select any area or subject using these tools to isolate them, but this creates sharp edges. So we use photoshop blend edges, also known as photoshop feather masks, to blend sharp edges in photoshop. In the upcoming segment, you will see some simple steps to refine edges in photoshop even a beginner can refine.
Why Are Photoshop Smooth Edges Essential?
After we cut out photos from their background and place them on another, it will look odd. Because of the sharp edges that we get after cutting out the image, it gets tough to blend in with the new perspective. So photoshop smooth edges help to blend the sharp edges with its backdrop and make it look natural.
How to Feather in Photoshop?
So in this segment, we will learn how we can smooth rough edges in photoshop. We will use some simple and easy steps for this method so that even a photoshop rookie can pull off this technique.
Step 1: Insert your image in photoshop
First thing first, insert the image in the photoshop artboard that you want to edit. You can drag and drop the picture right into the artboard, or you can go to the menu bar at the top and select File→ Open New File. Select the image and click on Insert.
Step 2: Create a duplicate layer
The next important thing is to create a duplicate layer from the original one, not to ruin our original image file while learning a new technique. To create a duplicate layer, choose Layer> Duplicate Layer from the menu bar.
Or you can choose the Duplicate Layer option from the Layers Panel More menu at the bottom. Name the duplicate Layer, and click OK.
Step 3: Make a Selection
Now photoshop has many different selection tools that we can use to select our image. The tool you will use will depend on what your image would require to do. We will use the photoshop object selection tool for our tutorial.
Select the Object Selection Tool from the left Toolbar, and by clicking on the image, drag the cursor over the object you want to select.
You will see dotted lines around the edges of the selected area, which means the selection is made. You can increase or decrease your selection using the Select/Deselect option.
Step 4: Create Mask
After completing the selection, we will create a layer mask of our selection. To create a mask, select the layer you are working on and click on the Layer Mask option at the bottom of the layer panel.
You will see that your subject will be isolated from its background.
Step 5: Feather Your Selection
Now, if you place your isolated subject on a solid as we did in the background, you will see the sharp edges. I suggest you place your isolated subject on a solid backdrop like in this tutorial, and we use solid black.
So to make the edges smooth and softer, we will use photoshop’s smooth edges or feather edges technique. We will select photoshop to refine the edge option from the menu bar at the top.
Click on the Select→ Refine Edge from the menu. To learn how to blend edges in photoshop, you have to know how photoshop’s refine edge option works.
As soon as you choose photoshop to refine the edge, a window will enable the option’s preview mode.
At first glance, you might become overwhelmed by the options the window contains but don’t be. You need to change the value of a couple of sliders (Smooth, Feather, Contrast) from these options and nothing else.
To remove the rough edges increase the value of the Smooth slider and see the changes. When you get the smoothness you have wanted, increase the Feather slider to smooth transition.
You must have got the smooth edge you are looking for, but making the edge blend with its background, uses the Contrast slider.
Step 6: Apply Final Changes
With the previous step, we are almost done with creating our photoshop smooth edges, but you can always place the subject on a different backdrop, and if you see any sharp edge issue, play with the settings a bit and find the sweet spot for your image.
After you get the settings right and complete your feather edges technique in photoshop, save your image and use it anywhere you want.
Final Verdict
Removing a subject from its background and placing it on another is like regular editing today. Everyone is using this technique and creating magnificent images for different purposes. But making this background-changing transition seamless and natural-looking, we must know how to smooth edges in photoshop first.
Learning how to blend edges in photoshop might take some time as a beginner. So you must not lose your hope if you can’t make it accurately because, without enough practice, it’s hard to be good at something. Follow this photoshop tutorial, and I can assure you that you will also be able to smooth lines in photoshop in no time.
Navaho Mizsey
Author
“Navaho Mizsey is a Content Writer Executive with 5+ years of experience. He is a hardworking and talented writer. He writes what the audience wants to read. He completed his degree in journalism and started his career in content writing. He loves to write about photography, camera, and photographer”
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