How to Smooth Edges in Photoshop with Select and Mask
Starting with Select Subject, you’ll refine your selection inside Select and Mask using the Brush, Lasso tools, and view modes to spot issues. Then you’ll smooth and tighten edges with Global Refinements, reduce halos, and output a clean layer with a mask for final touch-ups.
Step-by-step instructions
Make the initial selection
Choose Select → Subject (use the cloud option for better quality if available).
Use the Object Selection Tool to subtract unwanted areas (hold Alt/Option and drag).
Use the Quick Selection Tool to add any missing regions.
Enter Select and Mask and inspect the mask
Go to Select → Select and Mask.
In View, choose Black & White to clearly see the mask.
Toggle views (On Black/On White) to judge edges on different backgrounds.
Manually refine edges with tools
Use the Brush Tool to paint areas in or out (hold Alt/Option to subtract).
Use the Lasso or Polygonal Lasso for precise or straight-edge corrections.
Zoom (Z) and pan (Space/Hand Tool) to work accurately at high magnification.
Smooth edges with Global Refinements
Increase Smooth to reduce jagged edges.
Alternatively, apply a small Feather, then raise Contrast to re-tighten the edge.
Zoom in and adjust until contours look clean.
Contract edges and reduce halos
Use Shift Edge slightly negative to pull the selection inward.
Enable Decontaminate Colors to minimize color fringing on the edge.
Adjust subtly to avoid affecting other edges too much.
Output and finish with mask painting
Set Output To: New Layer with Layer Mask, then click OK.
In Layers, select the mask and paint with black/white to perfect details (press X to swap colors).
Save your refined cutout.
