Adobe Photoshop CS5 : Maximizing Filters - Getting the Best Results - Fade and Blend

Better Define the Target Area

For the best results, you’ll want to accurately select the area to be filtered. Depending on what you want to achieve, filters can be run on the entire image, a small portion of the image, or even a single channel. Also, it’s not a bad idea to test a filter first by running it on a small area.

Smooth the Edges

A hard-edged selection creates a visible border where the filter processed the image. It is absolutely essential to soften your selections. Two techniques work well (and can be combined):

• Choose Select > Modify > Smooth to round out hard corners in your selection.

• Choose Select > Modify > Feather to create a gradual edge. This is similar to the difference between a line drawn by a ballpoint pen and a line drawn by a felt-tip pen.

Fade and Blend

The Fade command is a little-known secret in Photoshop. It allows you to further modify filters by harnessing the power of blending modes. Use this command to access all 24 blend modes besides Normal. It makes your filter collection 24 times larger.

You must choose the Fade command immediately after the filter is run (even before you deselect the active selection). Let’s try it out:

1.	Open the file Ch14_Butterfly.tif.
2.	Choose Filter > Stylize > Glowing Edges.
3.	Adjust the sliders as desired until you have an image that looks much like a black velvet painting.
4.	Click OK.
5.	Invoke the Fade command by choosing Edit > Fade <name of filter>, or press Command+Shift+F (Ctrl+Shift+F). To remember this shortcut, think of it as though you want to command (or control) the shifting (fading) of the filter.
6.	Try different blending modes and Opacity settings to modify the look of the filter.