Introduction to Healing Tools

Photoshop offers powerful tools for removing spots, objects, and even people from photos, each with unique strengths. Let's get to know them.

1. Skin Retouching

Spot Healing Brush Tool

• Perfect for: Small items like pimples or dirt spots;
• Features:
  • Automatically samples nearby content, blending it seamlessly.

Steps:

1. Select the Spot Healing Brush Tool from the toolbar;
2. Create a new layer for non-destructive editing;
3. Ensure "Sample All Layers" is checked in the Options bar;
4. Adjust the brush size and hardness;
5. Brush over the unwanted spots.

Healing Brush Tool

• Offers: More control and precise adjustments;
• Features:
  • Allows you to select or sample a specific area as a source for healing.

Steps:

1. Select the Healing Brush Tool from the toolbar;
2. Create a new layer for non-destructive editing;
3. Hold ALT (Windows) or OPTION (Mac) to choose a sample area;
4. Adjust the brush size with the bracket keys [ ];
5. Paint over the spots.

2. Removing Unwanted Objects

Clone Stamp Tool

• Copies and pastes content without blending;
• Useful for duplicating content or making precise edits.

To hide a person or large object, you have a few options:

1. Content-Aware Fill
   • Make a selection around the object (e.g., with the Lasso tool);
   • It opens the Content-Aware workspace where you can adjust the sampling area for better results. You can use the live preview to check the fill;
   • Ensure "Sample All Layers" is checked;
   • Set output to "New Layer" and apply.
2. Patch Tool
   • Select an area to patch over the object;
   • Choose "Destination" to drag a patch over the unwanted area, and "Source" to drag the unwanted area to the patch area;
   • This tool is destructive as it replaces original pixels.
3. Content-Aware Move Tool
   • Moves an object and blends its original place with surroundings;
   • Also, a destructive workflow with less reliable results.
4. Remove Tool
   • Uses AI to seamlessly eliminate distractions;
   • Effective for all sizes of unwanted elements;
   • Maintains the image's lines and details.

Remember, you can always combine multiple retouching tools for the best results.

TASK

Download the practice images from the chapter's page and try to do these tasks:

• Remove all the spots and pimples from "Practice File 1";
• Remove all the kites in the sky from "Practice File 2".