Removing the white background from an image

[Zakiyya]

Hi!

I know this question has been posted numerous times.

I am using Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 2013, but I still battle to use the color select and erase tool.

Can someone please direct me to a useful tutorial or video on how to use the tool or on any other quick methods to remove the background from a photo.

In this case I am trying to remove the white background. I need to place the wedding ring on a black background.


Thank you

[Acorn]

I tried the Mask Painter, Erase and the Erase Background approach and got the bottom image.

In the same length of time, I used the Shape Tool around the ring (not shadow) and the Combine Shape > Slice approach.
I then clone the ring twice, used the transparency tool for Luminosity for the gems and Contract for the shadow by displacing the second clone to make a look if the ring was reflected off black glass.

I had total control over the second approach.

Ring.xar

Acorn

[angelize]

I agree for this photo the shape tool + slice approach is faster and definitely the way to go.

[Shakirov]

1. Draw an outline around the ring (SHIFT + F5)
2. CUT OUT resulting contour of the image (CTRL +3)
3. Smooth the edges (Feathering)
4. Change the background

Good luck!

[Acorn]

It might be useful if we post our end image...



Acorn

[gwpriester]

Acorn and Shakirov - Can you post your line drawings? It might help Zakiyya to see the process.

Zakiyya - In this case the method for removing the background using the Mask Painter and Eraser Tool won't work because of the white background and the amount of white in the ring. A lot of the white or light colors in the ring will also drop out.

Acorn and Shakirov as suggesting that you use the Shape Tool to draw an outline/shape that covers just the ring. Then to use this shape, to drop out the background (Arrange > Combine Shapes > Intersect Shapes).

See http://www.xaraxone.com/webxealot/workbook36/page_4.htm

Drawing with the Shape Tool http://www.xaraxone.com/webxealot/workbook30/page_6.htm

[Acorn]

Acorn and Shakirov - Can you post your line drawings? It might help Zakiyya to see the process.

Already there in Post #2 as I uploaded the .xar file.

Acorn

[gwpriester]

Yes, now that I look again, I see that it is.

[Zakiyya]

Thank you for all the help offered.

I guess one has to use different methods depending on the image.

Thanks so much!

[wizard509]

Yes, and Gary has provided the necessary information using this tool for you.