Extraction Tools for Posters

[kegs]

Hi,

Does anyone have any opinions on how these extraction tools compare; which do you think is better - MaskPro4 or FluidMask3 and how do they compare to the Extract filter in PS? I'm currently using CS2.

For use mostly with sports posters (including using one of ActionFX's templates) and occasionally some portrait work.

I remember quite some time back that Adam Baumann said he used both MaskPro4 and the PS Extract filter, his choice at the time depending on the image and what was in the background, but he didn't mention Fluid Mask.

I've tried to download the Trial versions of MP4 and FM3 to test for myself but had problems downloading both (doesn't bode well for getting the full versions!!)

Any suggestions/opinions would be appreciated. (I'll also post this in the Post Processing section.)


Many Thanks

Kegs

[wyofizz]

I've been using MaskPro 4 for awhile now and I'm happy. I think it's better than the CS3 tool. Haven't tried Fluid Mask.

Dave

[DDCSD]

I actually use PSE6's auto-selection tool and fine tune it from there.

You would do well to get a tablet. That thing makes selections a breeze. The Wacom Bamboo can be had fairly cheap.

[tstowe]

I agree. Photoshop and a WACOM tablet. Here's what I do:

1. Starting with a flat image, make two duplicates of the layer (that's three total). Layer one is backup. Layer two - fill with a bright color like hot pink or blue (so you can easily tell what's been erased. Layer three - the working layer.

2. With the top layer selected, start erasing big chunks. Get the lasso and circle big areas and press delete. Keep working your way in. As you get closer, the selections get smaller.

3. When you get close, use the eraser.

Asking about MaskPro and FluidMask I get the feeling you are looking for a magic bullet to do cutouts. There just isn't one. These programs help but if you just practice, you'll be surprised at how fast you can do it.

[NickJushchyshyn]

I agree. Photoshop and a WACOM tablet. Here's what I do:

1. Starting with a flat image, make two duplicates of the layer (that's three total). Layer one is backup. Layer two - fill with a bright color like hot pink or blue (so you can easily tell what's been erased. Layer three - the working layer.

2. With the top layer selected, start erasing big chunks. Get the lasso and circle big areas and press delete. Keep working your way in. As you get closer, the selections get smaller.

3. When you get close, use the eraser.

Only suggestion to add to this would be to use a brush on a layer mask for that top layer rather than an erasure tool.
Select big areas, and fill the mask with black (or use a large brush size).
Fine work can be done with smaller brushes. "X" key toggles you between white&black brush strokes, so you can easily "bring back" any portion of your last stroke that accidentally got eaten away.
Much more control over Undo-ing over/under cuts than the eraser.

[bigfredtn]

I have used Mask Pro works great.

[asysin2leads]

I use CS3 and a tablet. So far, it's worked great for me. I don't do it on a grand scale.