3 Replies Latest reply: Nov 23, 2014 7:15 AM by normfb RSS

    [HELP] Making a template from a custom lasso shape for cropping purposes?

    Draugr Community Member

      Hi.

       

      I have a question on making a customized shape via the lasso or magnetic lasso tool in Photshop.

       

      First, I have an image with multiple hexagon shaped images that are spread about the image and are all the same size.

       

      I want to cut out each individual hexagon shape and save them in separate PSD files.

       

      I can go through the painstaking process of using the magnetic lasso to crop each same size hexagon individually, but I'm sure there must be a way for me to use the magnetic lasso tool on the first hexagon, then somehow save the lasso shape as a template so that when I wish to crop out another hexagon from the image, I can just hit a key combo, or select the custom lasso shape from the tool bar and then have the outlined cropping field show on the image. I'd then move the crop field over the hexagon I wish to crop and it would fit perfectly because all the hexagons on the page are of the same shape, so the template I made with the first hexagon would fit the same on the second hexagon, and the third since all the hexagons are of the same shape and size on the image.

       

      I just can't seem to figure out a way to save that template or cookie cutter lasso so I can just cut out the other hexagons on the page simply like using a template or cookie cutter mold.

       

      Can anyone tell me how I can do this?

       

      Thanks,

      John

        • 1. Re: [HELP] Making a template from a custom lasso shape for cropping purposes?
          Mylenium CommunityMVP

          You don't use selection tools, you simply draw a suitable n-sided shape with the shape tool.

           

          Mylenium

          • 2. Re: [HELP] Making a template from a custom lasso shape for cropping purposes?
            JJMack Community Member

            Crop and files are rectangle.

             

            However layers that support transparency can have any shape.  So since the all are the same size all you need to do is make a single selection the correct size and shape. Use any tool your comfortable with to make the selection. The poly lasso tool, the pen  and the Polygon tools would be good choices. Path can be made selections. Once you have that selection  all you need do is open a new document with a transparent background with a canvas size that can house the selection and has the same resolution as the original document.   Activate the original document copy the first polygon selection to the clipboard and then paste the clipboard into the new document with the transparent canvas. Activate the original  select a selection tool move the cursor into the selection and drag the selection to the next location. If you need some rotation you can use  select transform selection to move and rotate the selection.  Then repeat the open new document and copy and paste process. For all the other locations.

             

            If you want to copy|cut all at once I think the best way would to to save each selection as an new alpha channel and once you have all saved load load all those alpha channels into a single selection. You may also want to save that combined selection.  I do that when I want to create a mat for a Photo collage cut all the wholes at once..

            • 3. Re: [HELP] Making a template from a custom lasso shape for cropping purposes?
              normfb Community Member

              First, I have an image with multiple hexagon shaped images that are spread about the image and are all the same size.

              I want to cut out each individual hexagon shape and save them in separate PSD files.

              *************

              Those are your criteria. It is safe to assume that geometric accuracy of the hexagon is equally important. If that is the case, making the first hex is key. To do that I suggest you begin as a path, convert it to a selection and save the selection. The selection can then be repeatedly loaded, moved into position for creating a separate layer that houses a selected object. Finallly, convert the layers into separate files.

               

              These are the steps:

              Open the image file.Background layer.

              1.Use the polygon tool (Options bar set to path, 6 sides) to draw the hex.

              2. Choose Path and convert the path into a selection. (If necessary, use Select > Transform selection to tweak the size and/or rotation.)

              3. Save the selection (Select > Save Selection.) Name it HEX

              4. Cmd+J to put the first selected object on its own layer.

              5. Return to the Background layer. Select > Load Selection. Then Select > Transform Selection to move the marching ants to another position in the image and rotate it if desired.

              6. Cmd+J  to put the selected object on its own layer

               

              Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all selected objects are on separate layers.

              Last: File > Scripts > Export Layers to files.

               

               

               

               

               

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