best masking software

<p>I do a lot of compositing work and use a lot of masks to extract people for example. I use photoshop CC and I find the quick selection tool helpful, i also occasionally use the pen tool and lasso tools. I then often use the refine mask tool to work on creating a better mask. I know there is software out there that focuses on creating masks. Are there any better than what is available in photoshop?</p>

<p>It doesn't get a lot of credit but Perfect Studio's mask is pretty good.</p>

<p>Vertus fluid mask has a 14 day trial version you can download. I downloaded it as it looked promising, but life happened and my trial expired before I could learn to use it...</p>

<p>Download the free trial of Topaz ReMask. I use it with CC's Refine Edge when needed or as the job dictates.</p>

<p>David you have not mentioned- "Making Channel Masks from Native Color Channels". Learn the techniques for this and you can have better selections than the 'Tools' can do- all in Photoshop, no other programs needed.</p>

<p>thanks everyone...i downloaded Vertus, Line and need to get familiar with that software...i looked into Perfect Studio and Topaz Remask...i think the Topaz software looks interesting as I've used Topaz products before...not so familiar with Perfect Studio...Robbi, my early experience making masks are with color channels and I occasionally use them with selections tools while I'm making masks...Katrin Eismann used channels masks quite a bit in her first version of Masking and Compositing...i think she still uses them but the newer tools such as quick selection and refine mask have taken away "some" needs to use channel masks...i use them together though...i guess I'm just trying to find out if there are better software programs for making masks other photoshop's current version CC...thanks for everyone's input so far...</p>

<p>I agree with Robbi that there is more to learn within PS first before looking for another program. Color Range, for example, is something that you did not mentioned. It doesn't work in all situations, but is perfectly designed for some. Lynda.com is full of instructional videos on masking in PS. I think a months subscription is $25. You would get more out of that $25 then to spend it on software. I watched one of their videos on masking hair which was really interesting.</p>

<p>thank you Phil...all good points...</p>

<p>I use PS CS6, Fluid Mask, and Topaz. Topaz is easiest. <strong>Fluid Mask is my favorite</strong>. PS CS6 is only for <strong>extremely advanced</strong> users.<br>

<a href="http://dustylens.com/masking_tutorial.htm">http://dustylens.com/masking_tutorial.htm</a></p>

<p>thanks Steve...i took a look at your tutorials and found them helpful....David</p>