Cutting out pictures in Adobe. Options

[GunsNRachel]

Apparently I'm no good at it =P
What's a good way to do it? I need as much help as I can possibly get.

[*davinci*]

Oh, lots of ways. =) Using the pen tool, lasso tool (magnetic lasso tool makes it a lot easier), extract tool. What have you tried and with which method did it not go so well?

[GunsNRachel]

I've tried using the magic wand tool, which didn't work. At all. I've been using the pen tool, but I guess I haven't been doing too well with that either.

[*davinci*]

The magic wand tool works best for images with one or a few colors in the background. I wouldn't think about trying it on anything else, lol. I guess you're having trouble using the the pen tool effectively. I'd use the magnetic lasso tool around the subject you want to cut out. A "base" selection will have been made once you connect both ends. From there, you can add or delete areas of the selection using the setting on the tool bar (while you're using the freehand lasso tool).

[lovescream]

umm..
lasso tool!

http://aethereality.net/tutorials/preview/7/
Tutorial on that. I personally find it easy to work with, though pen tool would make the outcome much more smoother.

[*The Markster*]

The best way to cut out stuff from a graphic is by using the Pen tool. (With the "Paths" selected, and NOT "Shape layers.") But of course, you've gotta be experienced with the Pen.

[GunsNRachel]

Well, the lasso tool and magnetic tool are the most frustrating things I've tried so far, hahah. I'm thinking maybe I should just stick with the pen tool and keep practicing a lot?

[lovescream]

oh i meant to say polygon lasso tool.. did you try that? lol.

[queen]

you could kick it old school and just use the plain old eraser. haha.

[*davinci*]

Or better yet, if you're worrying about messing up, use a layer mask and paint over the background with different size brushes and shapes. A bit more work but the process isn't hard.

[Aqueous]

I use the pen tool and I find it really easy. I have been using it quite a while now though as I used to make signature graphics all of the time and was cutting renders all the time! :D

[ipetpandas]

To me, pen tool is the best for extracting images. It takes time, and you'd have to know how to use it. xP

[xtrancie]

i actualy prefer lasso tool over pen tool, as much as i love pen tool, sometime extracting image with it can pisss me off.

[dannyordinary]

I usually use the pen tool
i've found it to be the best one, specially if your wicked
zoomed in

(davinci, ii love your ava &+ sig, nice)

[synthase]

Heres a tutorial:
http://www.createblog.com/tutorials/tutorial.php?id=723

[*IVIike*]

lasso tool or magnetic lasso tool work the best for me :]

[Chicago]

im not very good at it either.. but i've ben working with the magnetic lasso!