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Background eraser question


C

checcles

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Hey guys,

When I use the background eraser tool, I get the grey/white checkered background. I mostly take picture of small products for a small business' online store on a white background (green screen just tends to reflect horribly onto them) but when I go over the outsides with the regular eraser (since the background eraser doesn't work perfectly), its hard to see what I've deleted and what spots are still there because of the white checkered background.

Sorry if that's the world's most confusing and worst run-on sentence....

Is there an easier way to do this? Thanks for your help.

Photoshop CS5 btw.
 
Most advanced users of Photoshop have almost entirely switched over to using layer masks instead of the eraser tool. I know this is certainly true for me, and from what you described, it will likely benefit you, as well.

For a discussion of this, see:

http://buildinternet.com/2009/03/quick-tip-use-layer-masks-to-erase-in-photoshop/
http://bradhallart.blogspot.com/2011/02/why-you-should-use-layer-masks-instead.html
http://livelaughphotoshop.com/post/25057573685/layer-masks-vs-eraser-tool

HTH,

Tom M
 
Masking is usually the better option, but sometimes the eraser tool is needed as well. For this image, I started with a clipping mask and duped the layer. One was hidden (for backup), while one's mask was applied and eraser tool used for the faded areas. Then it was Saved for Web as a PNG (http://www.scalaramerica.com/images/proscope_micro_mobile_hp.png).

proscope_micro_mobile_hp.png

So, to answer OP's question; adding a solid temporary color layer beneath the layer you're erasing is the solution to not being able to see your results on the fly.
 
Last edited:
Renegade said:
Masking is usually the better option, but sometimes the eraser tool is needed as well. For this image, I started with a clipping mask and duped the layer. One was hidden (for backup), while one's mask was applied and eraser tool used for the faded areas. Then it was Saved for Web as a PNG



So, to answer OP's question; adding a solid temporary color layer beneath the layer you're erasing is the solution to not being able to see your results on the fly.
Click to expand...


Thanks you guys. I'll admit that I'm a huge n00b at this but you all have been extremely helpful. I just did a bunch of pictures in record time without having to erase...and when I messed up, I was able to bring it back. Thanks again for your patience and help.

Renegade - just curious how you blurred out the hand in that picture.
 
Use a gradient on your mask. or

"while one's mask was applied and eraser tool used for the faded areas"
 
checcles said:
Renegade - how did you blur out the hand like that?


Thanks you guys for your patience and help!
Click to expand...

I masked the whole thing out, then applied the mask to the layer. I then used the eraser tool, with a very large feathered brush, to fade out the wrist.
 
This thread started by discussing the background eraser tool, not the regular eraser. I use the eraser sometimes also, but not the BG eraser, but that's just how I work.
 
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