Info: In this lesson we will learn how to use the Freehand Selection tool.
1. Extract the jpg files from intclass2dl.zip which contains the images we will be using to make selections with and a challenge image. Open intclass2dl1.jpg. This is a simple image to start with.
2. Select the Freehand Selection tool. It is in the 5th spot from the top or left (click the black arrow beside the icon on the 5th spot to change tools). It is grouped with the Selection and Magic Wand tools. Reset to Default and change the Selection type to Point To Point. The Reset to default button can be found in the Preset menu on the Tool Options palette.
3. The key to making good selections is Zoom. Zooming in make it easier to see what you are selecting. Zoom in on the image View || Zoom || Zoom in by 1 Step (I usually use the + key on the number pad to zoom in and the - key to zoom out) 3 or 4 times. Note: You need to set your zoom before you start making your selection because it will not work while you are making your selection.
4. We are going to select the star. I clicked at (x:75 y:75) to place the first point (For information about coordinates please refer to the Coordinates section of the Refresher). Move the pointer to the top of the top point of the star (you can move the pointer and click outside of the image) paying attention to the line running from the first point you make. When the line lines up with the edge of the star click to make the second point. Move your pointer to around (x:126 y:75) make sure the line lines up with the edge of the star and click to set the 3rd point. Continue adding lining up with the star and adding points. When you get to the last point before where you started double click to add the point this time so it connects to the first point. Note: If you hold down the shift key (or change Mode to Add) while selecting the area you select will be added to the current selection. Likewise if you hold down the Ctrl key (or change the Mode to Remove) while selecting the area you select will be removed from the current selection.
5. Edit || Copy (Ctrl+C) and Edit || Paste || Paste as New Image (Ctrl+V). Save the new image in PSP format as intclass4dl1 because we are going to use it in Class 4. Close the original (click No when asked if you want save the changes).
6. Open intclass2dl2.jpg we are going to select the rock statue inside the arched wooden frame. I made my first point at (x:162 y:390), my second point at (x:166 y:172) notice when you get to the arched part you have to make your points closer to follow the curve of the arch. When you get back to the straight edges you can go back to putting your points in the corners. When you get to the bottom right hand corner remember to double click when adding the point so that it connects to the first point.
7. Edit || Copy (Ctrl+C) and Edit || Paste || Paste as New Image (Ctrl+V). Save the new image in PSP format as intclass4dl2. Close the original (click No when asked if you want save the changes).
8. Open intclass2dl3.jpg we are going to select the bell. Change the Selection type to Smart Edge. I don't really use this type very often as it requires high contrast and Edge Seeker works much better. This time instead of clicking on the white just inside of the bell click the blue just outside of the bell. Using this type we don't have a line between points it is a box but when you place a point a line will show what you have selected so far. If the line doesn't line up right hit the Delete key to erase the last point. I keep my points close with this type of selection. When you get close to the first point remember to double click to join the first and last points.
9. We don't want any blue in the bell so click Selections || Modify || Contract = 1 or 2.
10. Edit || Copy (Ctrl+C) and Edit || Paste || Paste as New Image (Ctrl+V). Save the new image in PSP format as intclass4dl3. Close the original (click No when asked if you want save the changes).
11. Open intclass2dl4.jpg we are going to select the gold heart gem. Change the Selection type to Edge Seeker. This type is much like Smart Edge but doesn't require high contrast. Zoom in on the heart. See the "bumpy" edge. For an image like this Edge Seeker is the best choice. Keeping the points really close together click just inside the outer gold edge remember to double click on the last point.
12. Edit || Copy (Ctrl+C) and Edit || Paste || Paste as New Image (Ctrl+V). Zoom in on the new image. This time we are going to select the heart. Using the same settings click around just inside the heart. When the heart is selected click View || Zoom || Zoom to 100% (Ctrl+Alt+N).
13. The heart is the color of my birth stone. Let's change the color. Set the Foreground color to the color of your birth stone or a color you like. I choose #AF1905.
14. Select your Flood tool Match Mode = None, Blend Mode = Color (Legacy), Opacity = 100, and Sample Merged NOT checked. Click inside the selection to fill it.
15. Save the new image in PSP format as intclass4dl4. If you want to make several different colors Duplicate and fill the original with a different color for each color you want to make then save all the copies too. Close the original intclass2dl4.jpg.
Notes: Doing freehand selections is not hard just a little time consuming depending on what you are selecting. I didn't cover the freehand type of the freehand selection but I encourage you to experiment with it. The freehand type draws one continuous selection so you need good control of your mouse. Remember to keep Anti-alias checked to prevent jaggies (makes a smoother selection). That's it for this class I hope you enjoyed it. I included an extra image in the download for you to practice the freehand selection with if you want.