These instructions apply to Adobe Photoshop CS5 and later.

Some menu items and commands may be different between versions.

Make a selection in your file in Photoshop.

The Refine Edge Tool in Photoshop

Ian Pullen

you could use a Marquee, the Magic Wand, or the Lasso Tool.

In those cases, you’re able to find it in the Select menu.

The Smart Radius checkbox can dramatically affect how the edge appears.

An image open in Photoshop with its subject selected

With this selected, the tool adapts how it works based on the edges of the image.

Adjust the slider with Smart Radius off and on to see which option gives you better results.

Experiment with the four sliders in the Adjust Edge group to further adjust your results.

A selection in Photoshop with the right-click menu open. Refine Edge is highlighted

TheOutput Todrop-down menu gives several options for how to use your refined edge.

it’s possible for you to also pick a New Document or New Layer for more permanent options.

ClickOkayin the lower-right corner to secure your changes and output your selection.

The Refine Edge window in Photoshop with the View button highlighted

Refine Edge window in Photoshop with the Smart Radius section highlighted

Refine Edge window in Photoshop with the Adjust Edge sliders highlighted

Refine Edge tool in Photoshop with the Decontaminate Colors check and slider highlighted

Refine Edge tool in Photoshop with Output options highlighted