Photoshop: free glass - how it works
In this image editing tip, we will explain how you can cleanly crop glass with Photoshop CS6.
Cut out the glass with Photoshop
Even with the extensive photo editing program Photoshop CS6, it is not that easy to completely isolate transparent objects. Here, however, we explain a way how you can solve this demanding task:
- Start Photoshop and open the file with the glass you want to crop.
- First select the glass with a standard quick selection tool such as the magic wand. Then copy this layer so that you can paste it into a new file.
- With the key combination "Ctrl" + "T" you can mark your inserted glass and adjust the size individually via the corner points. When the Shift key is pressed, the proportions of the glass are retained when the size is set. With "Enter" the glass is fixed on the level.
- Then copy your layer with the glass once. Transparent objects can only be properly exempted using tricks. That is why the light reflection is processed in the upper glass level and the edges in the lower level. Hide the lower glass level and continue working with the upper level.
- Set the "Multiply negative" option for the upper level under "Normal" (see screenshot). The glass is then displayed cloudy.
- You can counteract the milky appearance of the glass with the help of the sliders in the "Levels" setting level. Show the underlying glass layer again when you are satisfied with the setting for the transparency of the upper glass layer.
- Now mark your lower second glass level and use the "Reverse" command in the menu bar under "Image", "Corrections". The glass turns completely white.
- Add a layer mask to this layer and fill it in black. Your glass will then become transparent again.
- Now you can use the brush tool and the set foreground color "white" to carefully drive around the outside of your glass and gradually show the edges of the original glass again. Do this until you are completely around your object at least once. Tip: Use a brush with a larger brush tip.
- Your free glass is ready. You can now save the image.
In another photo tip, we explain how you can add an impressive mirror effect in Photoshop.