Scalpel

The scalpel tool allows you to manually adjust the clip on any image with edges that are too faint or noisy to be handled well with red / green marks. Watch the tutorial below to learn all about this handy tool, then try it yourself in the editor. Finally, read along with the tips and tricks on this page to sharpen your scalpel skills!


How to Make a Cut

To add a cut, select the scalpel then click and drag in the image where you'd like your cut to be made. The same tool also lets you edit the cuts.

Make a cut that bridges the entire problematic section, then drag the curve at key points to follow the object contour. Click and drag anywhere on the curve to bend it.

Clip Tip:

Use cuts sparingly. It is normally best to use the red/green marks for the bulk of the clipping, and then add a few choice cuts where there's poor contrast. It is rare that you'd want to add cuts along the entire outline.


Extending A Cut

Click and drag in the extend zone to add another piece to the cut.

Original + Marks

Original tutorial image with marks

Result

Tutorial image result

Smooth vs Corner Points

Click on the blue smooth / corner button next to each point to switch between having a corner at that point, or having the curve continue smoothly.

Original + Marks

Original tutorial image with marks

Result

Tutorial image result

Original + Marks

Original tutorial image with marks

Result

Tutorial image result
Clip Tip:

Double-click the node to toggle it.


Deleting Points

Click on the red x next to a point to delete it.

Original + Marks

Original tutorial image with marks

Result

Tutorial image result

Scalpel Pitfalls

Don't Cross The Cuts

Scalpel cuts that cross with themselves or other cuts will be gray and ignored. Move the cuts so that they don't actually cross to resolve the problem.

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Original + Marks

Original tutorial image with marks

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Result

Tutorial image result

Original + Marks

Original tutorial image with marks

Result

Tutorial image result

Pre-Crop


Your image size exceeds your active size limit. Please crop the image to the portion you wish to clip.

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