Object Extractor PSPPX3


	X3’s Object Extractor


	Extract Backgrounds Using The Object Extractor Command - Intermediate Written For PaintShop Photo Pro X3

This tutorial demonstrates how to Extract Backgrounds using PaintShop Photo Pro X3’s new Object Extractor Command. To work along, you are welcome to download the Start Image I am working with Here. Unzip the file and open the image onto PaintShop Photo Pro X3’s workspace.

Understanding Layers

This new command works in the same way as Photoshop CS, CS2/3’s Extract Command.

Launch PaintShop Photo Pro X3 Note
Click the following icon to launch PaintShop Photo Pro X3.

Then from the subsequent program, click the Full Editor tab, and PaintShop Photo Pro X3 will open.

If you would like the Full Editor to launch every time you click PaintShop Photo Pro’s launch icon: from the top menu, choose Edit then choose Preferences then choose General Program Preferences then choose Default Launch Workspace. From the subsequent Preferences dialogue box, mark the Full Editor circle, then click OK.
(This setting can be changed at any time).

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To begin, open your choice of Start Image onto PaintShop Photo Pro’s workspace.

Tip
Centralise your image by double-left-clicking its top menu-bar.

Workspace Notes
It is worth taking a little time to arrange the workspace to your liking: for example, to display the Layers or Materials Palettes, click a tick before your choice - as illustrated above. In addition, if you find the Guides and Rulers are too distracting, then remove them by clicking their ticks away, as illustrated below.

Once you have it to your liking, it is a good idea to Save your workspace; - from the top menu, choose File then choose Workspace then choose Save: (alternatively, choose Load if you have saved a previous workspace).

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Now, from the top menu, choose Image then choose Object Extractor. A large Object Extractor dialogue box will then open. You’ll be working exclusively with this dialogue box.

Now, you are looking to outline your object (the lime) with a green highlight using the Brush Tool: and it is important to fully outline the object. You do this either by tracing around the object in one application, or by applying the green highlight in multiple, smaller paint-stokes.

Therefore, activate the Brush Tool, as illustrated below.

And carefully paint a green outline around your object. For optimum extraction results, it is important to touch the edges of your object with the green highlight, as illustrated below.

In addition, you must complete the circuit. If you don’t complete the circuit, when you fill the green highlight later, the overlay will fill the entire image, which is not your intention.

Correcting Mistakes
Should you overrun the object, as illustrated below: then activate the Eraser Tool.

And remove the unwanted green highlight.

After you have fully outlined your object with a green highlight, you are ready for the next step.

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From the Object Extractor’s dialogue box, click the Fill Tool.

Then left-click inside the green highlight. This applies the following colour overlay.

Note
If the Selection has not been closed, the overlay will fill the entire image. If this has happened, clear the fill by clicking the Eraser Tool, then complete the Selection outline with the Brush Tool.

If you are happy with the overlay, click Process.

Clicking the Process tab previews your extracted image, as illustrated below.

If you are happy with the Selection, click OK.

(Clicking OK closes the Object Extractor, and returns your extracted object to PaintShop Photo Pro’s workspace: your image cannot now be further edited using the Object Extractor).

If you are unhappy with the preview, click the Edit Mask tab to return to the previous view and touch up the extraction.

Tidying Up
If the Object Extractor has not removed all pixels, as illustrated above: first Zoom into your work, then activate the regular Eraser Tool, and carefully remove unwanted pixels from the edge of your extracted image: you may need to adjust the Brush’s Opacity.

Precision Tip
Create a New Layer, then Flood Fill it with a contrasting fill to your object. Then drag the Filled Layer beneath the extracted object’s Layer. Unwanted pixels will now stand out, and can be easily removed using the Eraser Tool. (Remember to Delete the Fill Layer when you have finished with it).

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Congratulations, your extracted image is ready to save as a Transparent Gif, export as a Picture Tube; or Copy and Paste onto a second image.

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