simple PS question

[Emmanize]

Ok I am trying to use Photoshop more (I normally use Fireworks). However because I have learn everything in FW it’s a pain to use Photoshop. The most common problem I have is taking a background from images so you can use multiple layers. In FW I would use the polygon lasso tool but the version Photoshop (lasso tool) is free hand and no good for me.

Here is an example:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Fashy/psexample.jpg
How do I take the white background away from the image so the bottom later (in pink) shows through. This is very simple in FW but I can see how it’s done in PS. I want to use more brushes in PS but its difficult when you’re using two separate programmes. :confused:

[Virgo Nightingale]

I would use a layer mask to isolate the bunny.

FWIW, there is a polygon lasso tool in PS.

[Mynock]

Shouldn't this be in the Adobe products Section? Ahem, mods cleanup on thread 35233.

[Virgo Nightingale]

^^ Done.

[Emmanize]

I would use a layer mask to isolate the bunny.

FWIW, there is a polygon lasso tool in PS.

Layer mask? How do I get that? (I am learning the software). If there is a polygon lasso tool other then that freehand one how do I use it?

[Mynock]

What verson of photoshop are you using?

[Mynock]

If you have CS2, stop what you're doing and go to Filter >> Extract.

[Virgo Nightingale]

Select your bunny layer. At the bottom of the layers palette, click the button that looks like a square with a circle in it. You'll get a second icon next to the preview in the palette, this represents the mask. Use white on areas you want to show, black on areas you want to hide (masks can only be grayscale).

The polygon lasso tool is under the regular lasso tool, just click and hold on the toolbar to bring up the alternate tools. I assume you'd use it the same as you would in FW, but I've never used that program so I wouldn't know.

[Emmanize]

Oops found the PLT tool...didn't see the arrow :D
Ok that has probably sorted a big problem for now.

[urstwile]

Click and hold on the lasso tool in the toolbar and it will bring up additional tool options, including the polygonal lasso tool. Or hold down option on a mac (alt for PC?) to get the polygonal lasso tool temporarily while using the freehand lasso tool.

[Mynock]

There are many ways to skin a rabbit. Sorry Buda.

[budafist]

No offense taken. Rabbits like to change their outfits too.

[Red Kittie Kat]

That's right (http://www.flashbunny.com/bionkabunny.htm) :D

[Emmanize]

Ok I have another. These are so simple I am almost embarrassed to ask. You really have to go around the houses in Photoshop to do the most simple of things. Ok I have opened an image in PS but I want it on another canvas. In FW I just drag it over but I can’t do it via PScs2. How do I do it? I would stick to FW but I want use of the brushes. Unless I can work in FW and save all the editable layers in PS so I can use brushes?

[Silence04]

copy & paste?

[Virgo Nightingale]

I've dragged layers from one document to another. I know I've done it in CS3, I think I've done it in CS2.

If you're only using PS for this one brush, why don't you just recreate it in FW? I'd guess the process is similar in FW as it is in PS.

[longboy]

In Photoshop, you can select the layer in the layers palette, then just drag it into your other file. Alternatively, you can go to Image > Duplicate. This will make an identical file to the one you're working on (including dpi, image dimensions).

Using copy/paste will also work, but will occupy space on your computer's clipboard. Duplicate or dragging layers does not use the clipboard.

[urstwile]

^^what longboy said.

[marioxiao]

After you hold on the lasso tool, you can choose "polygonal lasso tool". The icon is like triangle. You can use it just like FW.
The other way is using pen tool, (p).