How to Perfectly Smooth Out Rough Edges in Photoshop?

Achieving smooth edges in Photoshop may be an easy task for professional photo editors. However, people who have just started their journey in photo editing or are still learning may find it difficult.

If you belong to the first category, then maybe you don’t need this article. But, if you are a beginner, I would advise you to through it as it contains some of the tips that might be useful to you.

Now coming to the topic, smoothing rough edges play an important role in image editing. It can dramatically enhance an image and make it look a hundred times more beautiful. People who are related to the photography domain are well-aware of its importance. However, I would like to state it once more for the ones who are new to it.

Importance of Photoshopping Smooth Edges in Images

During the background removal process, a lot of techniques are used to remove the distracting elements from the pictures. These techniques will be implemented based on the complexity.

In most cases, implementing only a single technique or method may not give you the best results. Due to this, the professional photo editors apply two or three techniques at the same time to get the desired outcomes.

A common issue that image editors usually face while making the cut-outs is the appearance of ragged edges. These ragged or rough edges look unprofessional and unappealing.

Besides, in the age of digitization, every business is dependent on digital pictures, be it magazines, advertisements, eCommerce, or digital photography. And, competing with unappealing pictures, i.e., images having ragged edges cannot help you win the race.

This explains why soften edges are important in photography and we are going to help you create them in the best way.

Why Use Photoshop for Creating Smooth Edges?

Adobe Photoshop is one of the best photo editing software to date. Every professional image editor agrees with it. This software contains a variety of tools and features that can help with photo retouching and also with the creation of smooth edges.

But, before we start discussing the steps, below are the tools that you are going to need in the process.

• Quick Selection Tool
• Level
• Refine Edges Brush Tool
• Gaussian Blur
• Dodge Tool
• Burn Tool

How to Smooth Rough Edges in Photoshop?

Here’s how to edit smooth edges in Photoshop. The steps will also help you to make the perfect cutouts.

• Step 1: Making the Selection

  

  Go to the Toolbar. You will see the Quick Selection Tool to the left. Click it and select the desired subject in the image.

• Step 2: Selecting the Channels Panel

  

  Go to the bottom and check the right side to find the Channels option. Click on it and you will see the new window appear. It will showcase the percentage of color contrast in your images. Choose the channel having the highest contrast.

• Step 3: Creating the new Channel

  

  Place your mouse on the most contrasting channel and drag the pointer to the bottom to create the new channel. The icon for creating the new channel will be shown as “+”.

• Step 4: Selecting the Contract

  
  

  Go to the Options bar and at the top, click on Select> Modify> Contract. Now, enter the desired number of pixels within 12 to 16 and then, click OK. This will make your selection bump into the photo.

• Step 5: Filling up the Selection

  

  Use black color to fill up the selection. There are two methods to do the same. The first one is to directly pick the foreground color from the Toolbar. Another way is to make a selection and click on D for changing the color. Now, to fill it up, click on Option/Alt +Delete.

• Step 6: Expanding the Selection

  

  Go to the Options bar and click on Select and then, Modify. Now, set the Expand by within 20 to 35 pixels depending on the picture resolution.

• Step 7: Inversing the Selection

  

  Inversing can make the cutouts more precise. For this, you only need to press Cmd/Ctrl+ Shift+I

• Step 8: Replacing the Fill Color

  

  To replace the fill color and change it to white, click on Ctrl/Cmd + Delete. After that, you can deselect the inverse by pressing Ctrl/Cmd+ D.

• Step 9: Detecting the Edges

  

  Now, zoom in to see if the image still contains any rough edges. If it does, go to the Edge Detection Window and look for the Radius Slider and Smart Radius checkbox. Now, set it to a low value.

• Step 10: Using the Refine Edges Brush Tool

  

  You can use this in your pictures if they contain either hair or fur. This tool is best for removing fuzzy, flyaway hair or fur. Now, go to the Toolbar’s left and select Brush and then, the second Refine Edge Brush.

  Zoom in and out to get a better view of the edges. Besides, it would best if you start with a small size brush first.

• Step 11: Using the Burn Tool

  

  Select the Burn tool from the toolbar’s left. Now, check the Options bar and change the range to 15% for shadows and exposure. After that, you can use your mouse to paint over the jagged edges.

• Step 12: Using the Dodge Tool

  

  The next step is to find the dark edges and highlight them. You can use the Dodge tool for the same and create natural and soft edges. In case you are still not happy with the results, you can move on to applying Gaussian Blur and using Levels.

  

Creating the perfect image cutouts with smooth edges is time-consuming. Some may also find it difficult. However, with all the steps mentioned here, you can easily eliminate the jarred or ragged edges from your images.

But, keep in mind that these techniques can only work if you are doing it with undivided attention and dedication. If not willing to put in the effort, you can always look for assistance. You will find a lot of digital photo editing companies offering Photoshop services to smooth edges in Photoshop. Just choose the best one before you outsource.