Photoshop OOB Tutorial

[PseFrank]

Here’s a basic OOB tutorial (Out Of Bounds). If you’ve not heard of this before, an OOB edit is where at least part of the main subject in a photo protrudes past or outside of the image frame.

 

 

The example you see just below was edited in Photoshop Elements 4. And although most OOB tutorials make use of Layer Masks, this tutorial doesn’t use masks at all. Unlike its big brother, Adobe Photoshop CS, Photoshop Elements does not have a single click add Layer Mask button. This tutorial will work in any version of Photoshop.

 

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb356/PseFrank/Photoshop%20Edits/My-mate-Andy.jpg

 

For those that have a go at an OOB and want to post their images on the site. Please post them in the Photo Thread

 

Please keep the size of your uploaded images to within200KB in file size. And no more than 800 pixels on their longest edge. Thankyou for complying with this.

 

For the time being, if you have questions about the tutorial, please ask in this thread.

Step:

1) Open your image in the editor.

2) Hit Ctrl + J on your keyboard to duplicate the background layer.

3) Turn off the visibility on the background layer by clicking the Eye icon.

4) In the Layers Palette click on the Create a new layer icon.

5) From the tool bar select the Rectangular Marquee Tool and drag a selection that includes most of your main subject....See example below.

 

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb356/PseFrank/Photoshop%20Edits/Tut-Pic-1.jpg

 

6) Select white as your foreground colour (Two small squares at bottom of tool bar)

Note: Hit D on the keyboard for the default Black & White colours. Hit X on the keyboard to toggle the colours.

 

7) Hit Alt + Backspace to fill the selection with white. (You can choose any colour)

8) Click Select > Modify > Contract. In the box provided type in a pixel value and then click OK.

Note: On my swan image I typed a value of 25 pixels. This gave me a border that looked ok. The pixel value you use depends on the size of your image. If you’re not happy with the border width, hit Ctrl + Z on your keyboard to undo the last command. Then type in a different pixel value.

 

9) Now hit the Delete key. This will remove the middle section of the white area. Leaving just a white frame. Now hit Ctrl + D to lose the marching ants (Your selection).

 

You should now see something similar this.

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb356/PseFrank/Photoshop%20Edits/Tut-Pic-2.jpg

 

 

We now need to distort our frame. We’ll do this by using the Free Transform command. This allows you to move and or stretch your frame to pretty much any position you like. Some practice is required to master this. The commands are carried out by using a combination of the Shift, Ctrl and Alt keys.

 

If you hold down all three keys at the same time, and grab a corner handle...by moving your cursor left or right, or up or down. This will move both sides of your frame either inwards or outwards at the same time.

Note: You grab a handle by placing your cursor on one of the tiny squares and then click and drag.

 

If you just press the Ctrl key. This will allow you to just move one corner of your frame in any direction you choose. By grabbing one of the middle handles and not pressing any keys you will be able to resize your frame one side at a time. Keep practicing and it will all make sense.

 

10) Hit Ctrl + T to go into Free Transform. Try and distort your frame to suit your image. When you are happy with your frame hit the Enter/Return key to confirm the transformation.Clicking the green tick will do the same.

 

In my example below I have tried to distort the frame to make it appear as if it is lying flat on the water. That’s what suited the swan image.

 

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb356/PseFrank/Photoshop%20Edits/Tut-Pic-3.jpg

 

 

 

We now need to make a selection around the frame, and save the selection. Later on this will help us form a shadow layer.

 

11) In the layers palette, click the Eye icon on layer 1 to turn off that layer. Choose the Magic Wand tool from the tool bar and make sure that Contiguous is checked.

Now click anywhere outside of the frame. Hit Shift + Ctrl + i on your keyboard to invert the selection. To save the selection click Select > Save Selection and name it Frame. Then click OK.

Hit Ctrl + D to lose the marching ants.

Click the small box beside Layer 1 to make that layer visible again (Turn it on).

12) Select the Eraser tool from the tool bar and carefully erase any part of the frame that passes over your subject.

 

Tip: In the layers palette lower the opacity of the frame layer to about 50%. This will enable you to see how much you have to erase. When you’re happy, go back to full opacity.

 

Tip: While erasing, blow your image up very large on your screen.

 

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb356/PseFrank/Photoshop%20Edits/Tut-Pic-4.jpg

 

 

Creating the background layer

I often use a Gradient Layer for my image background, but you can have any background you like, including another image alltogether. Because gradient backgrounds are popular, thats what I’ll use here.

 

13) In the layers palette click the Create a new layer icon. Reposition your new blank layer to just below Layer 1.Do this by clicking on the layer and dragging it down.

 

14) Select the Gradient Tool from the tool bar. Now click on the gradient box in the options bar (Top left hand side of screen). From the menus provided choose a gradient. Click OK.

 

15) Click and drag your cursor across the entire image. I have gone from left to right for my gradient, but you can go in any direction you choose. Experiment with this until you are happy.

It will look like nothing has happened, but if you look at the thumbnail in the layers palette you will see that you have applied your gradient.

 

 

The next step will be to erase everything outside of the image frame with the exception of the part of your subject that protrudes past the frame. To do this we must first select the main image layer. Just clicking once on any layer will make that layer active.

 

16) Click on the main image layer to make it the active layer (Layer 1). Select the Eraser tool ( Hardish brush ) and begin to erase the background. The gradient will now begin to show through on your main screen.

 

Tip: When erasing the section around the protruding part of your image, blow up big on your screen. If you make a mistake hit Ctrl + Z to undo the last stroke of your brush.

 

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb356/PseFrank/Photoshop%20Edits/Tut-Pic-5.jpg

 

 

Ok...you’ve nearly finished your OOB. If you’ve followed along so far you should have 4 layers in the layers palette. From the bottom they should be...The background layer, the gradient layer (Layer 3), the main image (Layer 1) and the frame layer (layer 2).

 

To finish off our OOB we’ll create a Shadow Layer.

 

17) Click on the Create a new layer icon. Now go Select > Load Selection and choose the frame selection that you saved at step 11.

Make sure that black is your choosen foreground colour. Hit Alt + Backspace to fill the selection with black.

 

18) In the layers palette, reposition the shadow layer to just above the gradient layer. (Click and drag). Select the Move tool from the tool bar. Now using the directional Arrows on your keyboard move the shadow layer until you can see a small section of it on two sides of your image.

 

Tip: Pay close attention to which direction the light was coming from in the original photo. This should help you decide which direction to move the shadow layer.

 

19) Hit Ctrl + D to lose the marching ants. From the Options bar go Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. In the box provided select a radius of 20 to 25 pixels and click OK.

 

20) Using the slider in the layers palette, lower the opacity of the shadow layer to about 60%.

 

Give yourself a pat on the back, you’ve just completed an OOB edit without using layer masks.....Don’t forget to save your work.

 

Have fun!

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb356/PseFrank/Photoshop%20Edits/Tut-Pic-6.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 1, 2010 by PseFrank

[KenB]

Thank you for taking the time to do this Frank - I have copied it and will certainly have a go when I have a little more time. :)

[DSTM]

Hi Frank.

In section 16 what is the best way to keep a straight line around the frame?

I am using a mouse and not a tablet.

Also on my effort the white frame is slighly visable through the Swans neck.Only just.

What adjustments should I make?

Great Tutorial to follow.

Thanks.:)

[PseFrank]

Hi Dougie...

 

To run your brush/cursor in a perfectly straight line from A to B, click on point A and then press and hold the Shift Key. Now click on point B and this will draw a line between the two points. When I say draw a line, I mean that whatever the cursor represents will move from A to B.

 

In this instance it is the Eraser Tool.

 

You will also find that you can overlap your brush on the edge of the white frame without erasing it. This is because the frame is on the layer above.

 

"Also on my effort the white frame is slighly visable through the Swans neck.Only just."

 

Make sure you have your brush set to 100% opacity.....:-)

[RandyL]

The pictures are missing Frank. Try using the Attachments and Images The attachment option works good. Let me know if you need help.

[PseFrank]

Oops!...There is a good reason why the images where missing Randy...I'm an idiot!

[DSTM]

Hi Frank.I got lost with the shadows. I need more practice.

What would be handy is a Shortcut Key List,so all who are interested can print it out.

Just a thought.:)

[PseFrank]

That's a good idea Dougie...I'll make a list later today. Your first OOB edit in the Photo Thread is a good effort considering you'd not done one before.

 

Regarding the shadow. You can only show a frame shadow if you have a background behind the frame, that is also larger than your OOB frame. All the shadow does is add to the 3D effect...but there's no rule that says you have to have a shadow.:)

[bob12a]

Frank I am not sure where you want the OOB photo. posted.

[PseFrank]

Hi Bob...I see no reason not to post your finished OOB in the Photo Thread.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing your work.

[bob12a]

Thanks Frank posted yesterday.

 

 

Your tip to draw a straight line very useful.

To run your brush/cursor in a perfectly straight line from A to B, click on point A and then press and hold the Shift Key. Now click on point B and this will draw a line between the two points. When I say draw a line, I mean that whatever the cursor represents will move from A to B.

[paulc]

Thank to PseFrank for the tutorial on OOB

 

This is how I did the rose

 

1 Open the main photo

 

2 create a new layer call it say paint brush

 

3 Now select the paint brush tool on this layer and paint all around the part of the photo you want to show OOB make sure you have a black line all around the rose head ie on mine all the rose

 

4 now select the fill tool and fill the selection

You can turn of the visibility of this layer now (click the eye at the side of the layer )

 

5 now click on the main photo layer to select it

 

6 hold down the ctrl+alt keys and click the paint brush layer that will select just the rose bit of the photo. Go to edit and click copy and then click paste.

You should have a new layer with just the rose in it

 

7 create a new layer call it back fill. Fill this layer with the gradient or paint bucket tool.

Turn off the visibility of this layer for now click the eye icon for this layer. so you can see the main photo

 

8 create a new layer and call it frame

Now select the rectangular marquee tool and draw where you want the frame to be

 

9Now click the back fill layer so it goes blue and turn on the visibility for the layer so the eye is back on. Then click delete that should remove the rectangle part of the fill layer where the frame will be.

 

10 now click the frame layer again and fill the rectangle box with white

Now make the frame as you did with PseFrank tutorial

 

If you have the layer in the right order it should look like PreFrank OOB

With the rose head at the top layer if you need to remove anything from it just use the eraser tool.

If the layer are in the wrong order you can click on the layer and drag it up or down the order

 

This is how I have my layers

 

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb356/PseFrank/Photoshop%20Edits/roseoob-2.jpg

 

hope it help

Edited September 19, 2010 by PseFrank

[bob12a]

Thank you Paul very much for taking the time to do this for us,

Bob

[PseFrank]

Thanks for posting the how to Paul. I'm always interested in how other editors achieve their goals. And I'm sure that the forum members will be interested as well.

 

I will ask another favour of you though. Could you edit your post please, and reduce the size of your tutorial image to no more than 800px wide and around 200KB in file size. Sorry to have to ask, but it means that the guys with small monitors don't have to use a scroll bar to read the posts. If it's a pain to do, I'll be happy to do it for you...Many thanks

 

Frank

[paulc]

I hope this helps you more than my last post

This is how I did the rose

 

1 Open the main photo

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/python9/firststep.jpg

 

2 create a new layer call it say paint brush

 

3 Now select the paint brush tool on this layer and paint all around the part of the photo you want to show OOB make sure you have a black line all around the rose head ie on mine all the rose

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/python9/step23.jpg

 

4 now select the fill tool and fill the selection

You can turn of the visibility of this layer now (click the eye at the side of the layer )

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/python9/step4.jpg

 

5 now click on the main photo layer to select it

 

6 hold down the ctrl+alt keys and click the paint brush layer that will select just the rose bit of the photo. Go to edit and click copy and then click paste.

You should have a new layer with just the rose in it

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/python9/step56.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/python9/step562.jpg

 

7 create a new layer call it back fill. Fill this layer with the gradient or paint bucket tool.

Turn off the visibility of this layer for now click the eye icon for this layer. so you can see the main photo

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/python9/step7.jpg

 

8 create a new layer and call it frame

Now select the rectangular marquee tool and draw where you want the frame to be

 

9Now click the back fill layer so it goes blue and turn on the visibility for the layer so the eye is back on. Then click delete that should remove the rectangle part of the fill layer where the frame will be.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/python9/step9.jpg

 

10 now click the frame layer again and fill the rectangle box with white

Now make the frame as you did with PseFrank tutorial

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/python9/step10.jpg

 

If you have the layer in the right order it should look like PreFrank OOB

With the rose head at the top layer if you need to remove anything from it just use the eraser tool.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/python9/finished.jpg

[bob12a]

Thanks again for your time PaulC.

[DSTM]

OOB No 3.

 

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s210/DSTM_photos/PHOTOSHOP%20IMAGES%202010/No-3-ononejpgPF.jpg

Edited September 23, 2010 by PseFrank

[bob12a]

Well done Dougie. I am also getting there slowly

[DSTM]

Hi Bob.Just follow the Tutorials,and do every step carefully.

Keep at it,and you will succeed.:)

I really like Photoshop,and spend many hours,just on one Image.

[bob12a]

old camera

 

Having a go I really do own this camera

Edited October 27, 2010 by bob12a

[DSTM]

You are improving, with every try,Bob.

Well Done.:)

[paulc]

Excellent work Dougie

 

A good job there Bob

keep at it. it is a hard programto learn

[bob12a]

OOB Pub sign

 

Slowly getting there thanks to the tutorials.

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb356/PseFrank/Photoshop%20Edits/Bobs-OOB.jpg

Edited September 23, 2010 by PseFrank

[PseFrank]

Now that is a good job Bob. You've made a better job of cutting out on this one. Just like DSTM said...Improving with every try...nice to see, thanks for posting.

 

I've taken the liberty of resizing the image, so that those with smaller screens don't have to use a scroll bar to view.

 

To everyone:

What I'd suggest in future is to add any edits we do to our Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help Albums. That way we can be sure that we're not posting images that are too big. Thanks for understanding about this.

 

An added bonus to doing this, is that it also reduces the bandwidth used.

[bob12a]

Thanks Frank no problem with you resizing.

 

A couple of guidances please

 

Help with cutting out in PS

 

Help with YOU SAY " add any edits we do to our Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help Albums. That way we can be sure that we're not posting images that are too big."