how to use history brush to soften the edges of a selection

[saulzelan]

I use selections and adjustment layers to achieve local control in my images

(instead of burning and dodging). In a typical image, I'll end up with 2-7

adjustment layers that are being applied via layer masks to a specific part of

the image (for example the sky if it needs selective darkening).

 

The problem I run into is that sometimes I create a visible line at the border

of the selection, even with the feather option set to 2. I'm usually pretty

careful to draw the selection in such a way that it naturally "hides" but

sometimes it's impossible to hide it completely. I've tried using the history

brush to paint back to an earlier state but it seems to have no effect unless I

flatten the image down completely.

 

What I'd like to do is be able to soften this selection border without

completely flattening the image down, as I often have more editing to do and I

usually only like to flatten right before printing. Can anyone see how to

accomplish this? Thanks in advance!

[ronald_moravec1]

Under selection you will find a feather option.

 

You can also use the eraser tool set to less than 100% opacity.

[peter_mounier]

I found that when I make a selection, I have to expand the selection by one or two pixels if

I'm going to feather it by 2 pixels. That way the feathering happens in the expanded area

and blends in the edges nicely.

 

Peter

[Spearhead]

<i>The problem I run into is that sometimes I create a visible line at the border of the selection, even with the feather option set to 2</i><p>The amount of feathering is specific to the size of image you are working on, and should probably be a lot larger if you are working with a full-size (i.e., straight from camera) image. Also, Peter's suggestion about expanding the area can be helpful, but may work better if it is less than the feather amount. For a full-size (10mp) image, I typically use feathers set to 20-30px.<P><i>Under selection you will find a feather option.</i><p>It's obvious from the question he already knows where to find the feather option. I don't think this kind of response helps someone solve their problem.

[RobertChura]

Another way is to use a quick mask and use a soft brush to add or delete the area of selection.

[Ray House]

You can also use the blur tools on the quick mask, this works well because you can see the effect where as with feathering you are using numerical adjustments.

[patricklavoie]

I will not answer your question directly..but why using selection with a brush?

 

May i suggest using a mask over a adjutsment layer and get ride of your problem at the same time : ) You will get way more control over the opacity, teh area you want to correct, and by using a already soft brush get ride of your problem.

 

master the mask and youre on your way to real photoshop power...my young luke, euh i mean my young Saul ; )