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If you use the lasso tool to extract objects in Photoshop you are probably finding that you have to stop and start over a lot, especially if you are extracting fuzzy animals or people with big hair. The lasso tool isn’t the only way to extract objects, however, the extraction function is a very simple and easy tool that you can use in almost every situation that you need to isolate an object out of. The extract command is best for those items that are irregular in shape and detailed around the edges or have thin limbs, like horses.

The extract command is great because you are able to create the mask on a full-size preview in the dialog box. When you have it how you want it, you can click OK and the background is erased to transparency and your extracted object is preserved. To be on the safe side, it’s always a good idea to work on a copy of your original photograph. This ensures that you don’t lose your original if you accidentally save it when you didn’t intend to.

To begin, you will select the layer from which you want to extract an object. Then, you will choose Filter > Extract and a full-size dialog box will open. You can resize this window to the size that you need it to work comfortably.

Now, you will choose the Edge Highlighter and mask around the object that you want to keep. Do this by choosing the Edge Highlighter tool from the toolbox in the dialog box. You can change the brush size and make it smaller or larger depending on how detailed you need it to be. The sharper the edge you need, the smaller the brush you should use. If the shape has wide edges, you will want to use a large brush. You can also change the color of the highlighter if you would like.

If the object has real crisp edges, you can check Smart Highlighting. This will be a highlight of a minimum width that you need to cover the edge of the object that you are highlight, regardless of the brush size.
After selecting your brush sizes, you simply drag around the border of the area of the image that you want to extract. Be sure to complete your loop and make a closed shape around the object. Drag the brush along the edge of any fuzzy fur or curly hair you may have. Once that is completed, you will choose the Fill tool from the dialog box’s toolbar. Click on the area that you want to save.

If you need to unmask any areas, you can use the eraser to do this. Next, preview the extraction to make sure that you have exactly what you want to save masked. If you need to refine your mask further, you can use the Cleanup too to gradually subtract areas that you don’t need. You can also use the Edge Touchup tool as well.
Once the image is exactly how you want it, click OK. You can then restore lost areas that you need to keep with the History Brush tool. Or, if you need to erase the background more, you can use the Background Eraser tool and do so by hand. See, wasn’t that simple and easy?

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