Bend and Reshape Objects in Photoshop with Puppet Warp
Learn how to isolate a subject, convert it to a Smart Object, and use Puppet Warp pins to bend and pose it naturally. You’ll also fill the background behind the cutout and create mirrored copies for creative layouts, all while keeping edits editable.
Step-by-step instructions
Cut out the subject and clean the background
Select the Object Selection Tool, then click Select Subject.
Press Ctrl+J (Cmd+J) to copy the selection to a new layer.
Ctrl/Cmd‑click the subject layer thumbnail to load its selection, select the background layer.
Choose Select → Modify → Expand → 5 px, then Shift+Backspace/Shift+Delete → Content‑Aware → OK to fill the hole.
Convert to Smart Object and create a mirrored copy
Right‑click the cutout layer → Convert to Smart Object.
Press Ctrl/Cmd+T → Right‑click inside the box → Flip Horizontal to make a mirrored version (or duplicate first, then flip).
Position both copies as desired; hold Shift while dragging to constrain movement.
Open the Smart Object and arrange views (optional)
Double‑click the Smart Object thumbnail to open its contents.
Go to Window → Arrange → Tile Vertically to view side‑by‑side with the main document.
Deform with Puppet Warp using pins
Choose Edit → Puppet Warp.
Click to add pins that anchor areas you don’t want to move (e.g., body), then add pins on parts to bend (e.g., neck, beak).
Drag pins to bend and stretch until the pose looks natural.
Press Ctrl/Cmd+S to save the Smart Object and update the main document.
Add variation with a second Puppet Warp
Select the other Smart Object layer.
Choose Edit → Puppet Warp and add anchor pins.
Make subtle adjustments (e.g., beak angle, neck curve) to avoid identical twins.
Confirm and fine‑tune positions of both layers as needed.
