PAINT SHOP PRO X  Tutorial "How to remove background"
	I'm not all that sure this is the 'correct' way to do this technique, but it's 'my way' and it works for me, I hope it works for you too!
	∆  Step One:  Open desired document. Note: Small children and cute pooches work best for this technique.
	p  Step Two: On the palette menu on the left click the 'background eraser tool'. Work in small sections at a time and remove background as close as possible to the subject 'this example shows my adorable grandson'.  Adjust the tool size when needed in the 'tool option' menu.
	p  STEP THREE:  It's not needed to clean all the background at this point. Just get enough for the size you want your 'finished product' to be. Then on the pallet menu on the left, click the resize icon. The little box will show around your subject, move or resize the box as needed. Double click inside the photo and it will automatically resize.
	p  STEP FOUR: Continue cleaning any remaining background until you are satisfied that you removed most of it. Then click the Layer option, and choose New Raster Layer.  You won't 'see' the layer but it is there. Look on the layer palette (Usually shows up on the right of your screen).
	p  STEP FIVE:  If you are putting this picture on a white background this step is not necessary. Use this option when you are putting the photo on a colored page, just be sure the color matches the page you are placing the picture on. Open material properties and chose the color you want making sure you are on the correct layer.
	p  STEP SIX:  In this sample I wanted the background to match the website page. Choose the color then click the "Fill tool" and place your cursor in the center of the photo (making sure you are on the new layer you created, not the subject background layer). Note in this photo the right Layer palette, the blue background layer is highlighted.  You now see the layer you created in the color you chose.
	p  STEP SEVEN:  Now you have to put the new layer behind the original layer. Click Layers, Arrange, Send to Bottom.
	p  STEP EIGHT:  Notice how the blue layer is now behind the subject. Also notice there is some of the original background still showing. Naughty, naughty we didn't clean it all, no matter, now we can see it all and that makes it easier to clean it all.
	p  STEP NINE: Now place your cursor on the subject layer, note the arrow making sure that layer is highlighted to work on.
	p  STEP TEN:  Continue the cleanup using the "ERASER" tool this time, being extremely careful not to get too close. Work in small sections at a time. TIP: enlarge your view so you can see the pixels and get close enough to the subject.  Another TIP: if you are using a wheel mouse, place your cursor in the center of the picture and roll your mouse wheel up and down to change view.
	p  STEP ELEVEN:  On the menu there is a 'size' option to make the tool smaller to get into tiny crevices like behind Nate's ear.  Also note the pixels, clean them up as much as possible. Always, always work in small sections at a time, if you get too close you can always undo. But undo undoes all of the last cursor clicks, so work in small sections. When you are satisfied you have removed all the remaining background go on to step twelve.
	p  STEP TWELVE:  On the menu bar click Effects, 3D effects, drop shadow until you get the desired look for your subject.  I drop shadowed three times in this example.
	p  STEP THIRTEEN: The finished product.   Remember: If you are putting your photo on a white background, the second colored layer option is not necessary. Just do the full cleanup and save your work. Go to Save As and name it as a .jpg. If you think you will need to work on this particular picture in the future also save a copy in .psp format. I certainly hope this tutorial has helped you. Go on your way and enjoy the program.
	Your Computer Guardian Angel, Carol
	p Back to top p Back home p Contact