Really DUMB Photoshop Elements 2 question

[gramps]

PS 2 came with my 20D and there is one thing I can't figure out.........how do you do a "cutout" (free hand)??????? In Microsoft Digital Photo there is a "cutout" item on one of the menus, I can't find it on Photo Shop.......like I said "DUMB" me.

[PacAce]

What does the "cut out" tool do? Does it allow you to draw a pattern or a figure and then cut out whatever is enclosed? If so, you would have to use the Lasso tool in Elements to do the same thing.

You use one of the Lasso tools (1st tool on the 2nd row from the top in the tool box) to draw the cutout pattern. Then use the Delete key to remove whatever is in the pattern.

[Radtech1]

I think you want the lasso tool.

http://home.ripway.com/2004-2/78486/Canon/Lasoo.jpg

The standard lasso will lay down a freehand line with the left mouse button pressed that will complete as soon as you let up on the mouse button.

The Polygonal Lasso will lay down a striaght line with the left mouse button pressed that will "anchor" as soon as you let up on the mouse button. You can then press the mouse button and continue the line in a different direction and anchor it again, and so on untill you complete the shape. If you get lost in a dark backgound and cannot see the cursor, then "double click" the mouse and the shape will complete.

The Magnetic Lasso will lay down a curved or straight line with the left mouse button pressed that will automatically follow the highest contrast in the area.

Once you have the shape set with any of these methods, then hold down the CTRL key and press "C", which will "copy" the selction into memory. When you next hold CTRL key and press "V", you will then "paste" your selection into where ever you want it. Either a new differnt image, or into the original image you are working in. Wherever you put it, the selection will appear as a new "Layer". For example, here I selected the girls skin, pressed CTRL+C then CTRL+V to create the layer. Now I can manipulate her skin (lighten, darken, change tone) without changing the rest of the image.

http://home.ripway.com/2004-2/78486/Canon/Lasoo2.jpg

[gramps]

THANK both of you very much...........it's simple once you "see" it done!!!