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3 2 G R A P H I C S P R O A P R I L 2 0 2 2 G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M S I G N A G E & P R I N T I N G T H E D I G I T A L E Y E EDGES One of the most important aspects of the collage workow is to be able to seamlessly blend the edges of a selection to the desti- nation image where it will be placed. Pho- toshop has a Select and Mask feature that makes edge manipulation easy and predict- able. (Fig. 3) e interface can display the content of the selection in a variety of views. e controls can manipulate the edge by expanding or contracting, feathering, in- creasing or decreasing contrast, or smooth- ing. Some of the controls in the Select and Mask interface even help select intricate or ambiguous edges such as fur or hair that contributes to the credibility of the compos- ite. e preview gives a clear picture of what the results will be. With proper manipula- tion the edge can be made undetectable. FEATHERED EDGE Feathering the edges of the selected area cre- ates a transition zone. A feather is a group of edge pixels that range from opaque on the inside and gradually become more transpar- ent as they radiate outward over a specic distance. Feathering the edge of a selection softens it so that it blends into the destina- tion background. (Fig. 4) LAYER MASKS A layer mask hides portions of a layer re- vealing the content of the layers below. Masks are quite useful for making compos- ites. ey piece together dierent objects without having to resort to destructive tools like the eraser. Click the Add Mask icon in the layers panel, then simply start painting with the brush tool set to black to hide or white to reveal parts of a layer. If you've already made a selection from part of the layer, clicking the mask icon will convert the selection to a mask. Alternatively, set the output to Layer Mask in the Select and Mask feature. Fig. 3 (top): Photoshop has a Select and Mask feature that makes edge manipulation easy and predictable. Fig. 4 (above): A feathered edge is a group of edge pixels that range from opaque on the inside and gradually become more transparent as they radiate outward over a specific distance.