Adobe Photoshop CS4 includes useful tools to create matte regions in an image. A matte can be used to replace an area from one image with another image. This effect is frequently used in motion pictures when actors are filmed over solid color backgrounds (usually blue or green) that are replaced with computer generated scenes. With still photography or graphic design, mattes are used to create digital backdrops or complex graphic effects. The following steps will help you create a simple matte from an existing photo image.
- Open Adobe Photoshop CS4 and create a new file by selecting “File” then “New” from the menu. Name the file “Matte Example.” The size of the file should be the same as the picture you want to add to the matte. Make sure “Background Contents” is set to “Transparent.”
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Step 2
Open the photograph file you want to use to create the matte. The ideal picture should feature a well defined subject over a plain background. Open the photo image in Photoshop by selecting “File” then “Open” from the menu.
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Step 3
Select the Matte Example file created in Step 1 and select “Layer,” then “New,” then “Layer” from the menu.
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Step 4
From your photo image file, click “Select” and “All” then “Edit” and “Copy” from the menu. Select the Matte Example file, then click “Edit” and “Paste” to copy the picture into the new layer you created from the previous step. Your Matte Example file should now have two layers: a transparent background and a foreground layer with your photo image.
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Step 5
Outline the subject in your photograph using the Lasso Tool. Select the Lasso Tool by pressing the “L” key. Carefully trace the outline of the subject by using your mouse to drag the Lasso Tool around the subject. Complete the Lasso selection by releasing the mouse button when finished.
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Step 6
Select “Layer” then “Layer Mask” and “Reveal Selection” to remove the background of the photo image and reveal the transparent background. You have created a matte where the background of the photo image was.
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Use other Lasso Tools by clicking the small triangle in the lower right corner of the Lasso Tool icon from the tools tab. The Magnetic and Polygonal Lasso tools offer special characteristics that aid in outlining your subject. The Magnetic Lasso Tool, for example, allows the Lasso tool to “stick” to your subject providing there is sufficient contrast from the background.
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If you want to use your subject to create the matte, instead of the background, select “Hide Selection” from the Layer Mask menu. The area that contains your subject is now removed to reveal the transparent layer.