erasing background when combind two images

[kentuckianna]

I'm taking the on-line course, Introduction to Layers, and need help with erasing background when combining two images. My problem is with the eraser tool. I don't like the way the edges look. What settings should I use to have a smoother edge?

[vawitt]

Hi, and welcome!

You might have good luck with one of the softer edged erasers that gently blend rather than a hard edge. When you activate the eraser tool, go to the Options bar (top of the screen, under the menu) and click the small arrow at the first option, to display your brushes (see attached). Point to each brush to see its name; choose something that says "soft round".

Resize the eraser by pressing [ to go smaller and ] to go larger (the bracket keys). Erase a little and see if you like the effect. If not, undo (CTRL+Z) and try again.

Have fun, and let us know if that doesn't help!

~Val in sunny IL

[efarnstrom]

I was reading a tutorial (on cloning) and was surprised to find that you could use other brushes besides round/soft/hard to get a different effect. The object was trees/bushes and the tut said to use a dry media brush that gave a stippled effect. This could be the same for erasing. Just look at all the brushes until you find one that works well.