I've noticed some people trying to use the straight lasso to cut everything out which is by far the fastest and easiest way. However, it is not the best so I thought I'd share this tip about it. If you do not have the basic shape outlined there are extra options by holding down the SHIFT or ALT keys to add or take away. This is all done with the straight lasso. How did I achieve such curves? Practice and knowing how to use the tools the right way.

1. OH ****, I went to fast and now my selection is'nt on the outside of the vehicle!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/HuLkSMASH/1.jpg

2. No problem, just use the Select>Modify>Expand or Contract method. I expanded by 2 pixels and checked the space around the object. Now its too far but so what, its better to have more than less.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/HuLkSMASH/2.jpg

3. Go back to Contract and take some away. In this case it was only 1 which outlined the car perfectly.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/HuLkSMASH/3.jpg

4. A little clean up around the edges, some lowering, color changeing, and cloning and i got this. A quick chop done in under 2 minutes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/HuLkSMASH/4.jpg

you used the polygonal lasso tool for that car? you can't do curves with that tool. you sure you didnt use the pen tool or the regular lasso?

i usually use the pen tool, and make adjustments to the widgets as i go.

learning PATHS isn't that hard. it's getting them to do what you want. not a bad write up, and yes it's more than I've done, but you've left off some very important steps.

you used the polygonal lasso tool for that car? you can't do curves with that tool. you sure you didnt use the pen tool or the regular lasso?

i usually use the pen tool, and make adjustments to the widgets as i go.

I used the straight lasso as I have stated. How can you tell me what I used when I sat in front of the computer and did it? If you cant acheive curves with it then practice more.

PATHS is harder for a beginner considering the many options it uses so this tutorial focuses on the lasso's only.

BTW, this is my first tutorial so if I missed something then please inform me, I will add it in no problem.

I used the straight lasso as I have stated. How can you tell me what I used when I sat in front of the computer and did it? If you cant acheive curves with it then practice more.

PATHS is harder for a beginner considering the many options it uses so this tutorial focuses on the lasso's only.

BTW, this is my first tutorial so if I missed something then please inform me, I will add it in no problem.

don't trip man... i was just asking a question. technically, there IS no "straight lasso tool"... at least not in recent PS versions. I'm currently running CS2. There is:

- lasso tool
- polygonal lasso tool
- magnetic lasso tool

the reason i asked if you used the polygonal lasso was because that lasso does straight lines, as opposed to the regular lasso, which you can use for freehand selections. when you say "straight lasso tool", are you talking about the regular ol' lasso? thats what has me confused. I've been using PS since v4, but don't remember if older versions had a straight lasso tool.

he prolly meant polygon lasso opposed to straight as in "the norm"

glad he wasn't using the gay lasso:crazy:

i hate the pen tool...and i never use it...i usually just zoom in real close, use the poly lasso, and click alot...it may not do great curves, but its pretty dang good...

Didnt mean to blow up. I always called it the straight lasso, loose, and magnet. I havnt been able to use CS or CS2 cause my CS version is a little screwed up, so im stuck on 7 and the lasso has always been refered to that since 5. Everyone I know/knew called it that but, as you can see now, there are several names.

Should use the pen tool to create workpaths. It can be saved and also made into a selection. However I agree it takes a lot more time this way.

I see red X's...

thats cause this is over 5 months old...most people delete their pictures occasionally...

good info