What is happening here?

[Branlid]

I was hoping someone could explain this. 

If i select an object with the smart selection tool, then make the output ”new layer with mask”… Then i thought i could just paint the mask layer with eiter a black or white pencil to hide or show more from the mask. Well that works, BUT something horrible happens around the edges from the original selection, i cant understand whats happening. Why doesnt this work just as every other mask does? And what is the black stuff ?

[NotMyFault]

in case you set the output mode to "new layer" or "new layer with mask", Affinity applies some "color decontamination" in the edge areas. To see how this looks simply deactivate the mask, and compare original and new layer. I personally don't like this function at all, as it can lead to surprising effects like the one you raised here. 

So if you want to keep the original background, don't choose these 2 options. Duplicate the background layer, and select "mask" as output mode. 

In case you want color decontamination at edges, there are better ways: simply add an HSL adjustment, reduce saturation and adjust lightness as required. Invert the inherent mask (cmd-I/ ctrl-I) and paint in the effect manually in the edge area.

[Branlid]

2 hours ago, NotMyFault said:

 

So if you want to keep the original background, don't choose these 2 options. Duplicate the background layer, and select "mask" as output mode. 

 

Thanks for your reply. But i dont understand what you mean here😕

[NotMyFault]

1 hour ago, Branlid said:

Thanks for your reply. But i dont understand what you mean here😕

This means don‘t do this 

8 hours ago, Branlid said:

If i select an object with the smart selection tool, then make the output ”new layer with mask”

Instead, make the output mode „mask“.

[NotMyFault]

For images like this, refine selection is not the best suited tool. It creates a lot of spill at the edges, unless you deactivate „soft edges“, and manually feather / smooth the selection via these separate functions.

For perfect results, use other workflows:

• freehand tool, in mode „magnetic“
• or use pencil tool and create a vector shape along the edges. This will cost about 10 minutes, but allows a far better control over the edges.

 

[Paul Mudditt]

Do not use any of the selection tools on inanimate objects containing straight lines and curves.

Instead,

1. Use the pen tool, change mode to 'smart' and dab dab dab roughly around the outline using as few nodes as possible, double tap the first node to complete a rough curve/shape.

2. Use the Node tool (underneath the pen tool) and re position nodes accurately/delete nodes/add nodes, changing each node to sharp or curve as needed, use the bezier handles and one finger modifier  to adjust each curve to match shape if needed.

3. Once the shape matches your outline, return to the pen tool and select 'to selection'.

With practice you can do this quite quickly and will give a superior selection. 

[Branlid]

On 4/3/2023 at 8:03 AM, Paul Mudditt said:

Do not use any of the selection tools on inanimate objects containing straight lines and curves.

Instead,

1. Use the pen tool, change mode to 'smart' and dab dab dab roughly around the outline using as few nodes as possible, double tap the first node to complete a rough curve/shape.

2. Use the Node tool (underneath the pen tool) and re position nodes accurately/delete nodes/add nodes, changing each node to sharp or curve as needed, use the bezier handles and one finger modifier  to adjust each curve to match shape if needed.

3. Once the shape matches your outline, return to the pen tool and select 'to selection'.

With practice you can do this quite quickly and will give a superior selection. 

Wow! That is a completely awesome way of doing it. Thanks alot!