Problem separating image from background

[Ish]

Hi, wonder if you can help please.

I've taken a photograph and used InDesign > clipping path > detect edges to separate the main item from a plain background. I then pasted the image onto a dark blue background to make a poster for a display at a conference. When I pasted the image, it had a thin white line around it.

Is there some way I can colour these white pixels with the background colour? It needs to have a professional look to it when it's finished. If there is a better way to separate the image I don't mind starting again.

 

[adrianblaine]

InDesign isn't really meant to be doing these kinds of things. If you have Photoshop, I'd do it there first.

 

[Lovesong]

InDesign isn't really meant to be doing these kinds of things. If you have Photoshop, I'd do it there first.

I'd agree with that. Use PS, and just extract your image.

 

[dllavaneras]

Definitely PS, then you might try using the blur tool around the edges

 

[Blue Velvet]

Clipping paths are a bit old-skool, but still effective and are best used for hard shapes with clean lines.

If you're in a hurry and don't want to spend time setting up a mask in Photoshop, you can adjust the inset of the clipping path from within the clipping options in InDesign which will reduce the white line you want to get rid off... however, it will still be a sharp clipping.

By also adjusting the threshold and tolerance of the path, you can usually get a good fit unless the subject has blur or hair, or other shapes that don't clip cleanly.

If you want to use Photoshop, then it's best to make a mask which enables you to have softer edges. Blur tool in the right places, a touch of Gaussian blur on the mask, and/orusing the Extract tools to get exactly what you want will probably give you a cleaner result.

 

[Ish]

Well, I've been busy this morning following all the suggestions and I now have the image up on the blue background with no white edges, and with the edges softened. Might try softening them a bit more. Many thanks.

I'm more used to InDesign so tend to go there first. Must start having a play around with Photoshop.