Scalpel Tool
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.
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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.
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Clip Tip:
Double-click the node to toggle it.
Deleting Points
Click on the red x next to a point to delete it.
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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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