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ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 2.0
User Guide
Erasing similar pixels
Note:
When used on a Background layer, the magic
eraser and the background eraser tools convert the
Background layer to a regular layer. To erase on the
Background layer without converting it, use the
eraser tool. See “Using the eraser tool” on page 142.
To use the magic eraser tool:
1
Select the magic eraser tool
.
2
Enter a tolerance value in the options bar.
This setting defines the range of colors that can
be erased. A low tolerance erases pixels within a
range of color values very similar to the pixel you
click. A high tolerance erases pixels within a
broader range.
3
Select Anti-aliased to smooth the edges of the
area you erase.
4
Select Contiguous to erase only pixels that are
adjacent to the one you click. Deselect this option
to erase all similar pixels in the image.
5
Select Use All Layers to sample the erased color
using combined data from all visible layers.
6
Specify an opacity to define the strength of the
erasure. An opacity of 100% erases pixels to
complete transparency on a layer and to the
background color on a locked layer. A lower
opacity erases pixels to partial transparency on a
layer and paints partially with the background
color on a locked layer.
7
Click in the area of the layer you want to erase.
Using the background eraser tool
The background eraser samples the color in the
brush center, also called the hotspot, and deletes
that color wherever you drag the brush. This
approach allows you to erase the background
while maintaining the edges of an object in the
foreground. The background eraser also performs
color extraction at the edges of any foreground
objects, so that color halos are not visible if the
foreground object is later pasted into another
image.
Note:
The background eraser overrides the Lock
Transparency setting of a layer.
To use the background eraser tool:
1
In the Layers palette, select the layer containing
the areas you want to erase.
2
Select the background eraser tool
.
3
To set the brush size in the options bar, drag the
Size pop-up slider or enter a size in the text box.
4
Choose a Limits mode:
•
Discontiguous to erase the sampled color
wherever it occurs under the brush.
