Feathering is a technique used in

computer graphics Computer graphics deals with generating images and art with the aid of computers. Computer graphics is a core technology in digital photography, film, video games, digital art, cell phone and computer displays, and many specialized applications. ...

software Software consists of computer programs that instruct the Execution (computing), execution of a computer. Software also includes design documents and specifications. The history of software is closely tied to the development of digital comput ...

to smooth or blur the edges of a feature. The term is inherited from a technique of fine retouching using fine

feathers Feathers are epidermis (zoology), epidermal growths that form a distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on both Bird, avian (bird) and some non-avian dinosaurs and other archosaurs. They are the most complex integumentary structures found in ...

Paintbrush feathering

Feathering is most commonly used on a paintbrush tool in computer graphics software. This form of feathering makes the painted area appear smooth. It may give the effect of an

airbrush An airbrush is a small, air-operated tool that atomizes and sprays various media, most often paint, but also ink, dye, and make-up. Spray painting developed from the airbrush and is considered to employ a type of airbrush. History Up unt ...

or spraypaint. Color is concentrated at the center of the brush area, and it blends out toward the edges.

Selection feathering

Feathering is not only used on paintbrushes in computer graphics software. Feathering may also blend the edges of a selected feature into the background of the image. When composing an image from pieces of other images, feathering helps make added features look "in place" with the background image. For instance, if someone were to want to add a leaf to a photograph of grass using computer graphics software, he or she might use feathering on the leaf to make it blend in with the grassy background.

Clone tool feathering

The "Clone" tool is very important in photograph manipulation on computer graphics software. The clone tool is used to actively copy and offset pixels from one area of an image to another while the artist moves the clone tool around the area to be copied. A good example is the use of the clone tool to cover a skin blemish by copying skin from one area of an image and placing it over the blemish. An important aspect of making a clone tool blend well in an image is to use feathering on the clone tool. This makes the pixels being copied have more effect on the area they are copied to closer to where the artist is dragging his or her mouse or stylus, and makes the pixels have less effect the farther they are from the clone tool (and where the artist is using it). Thus, with the skin example, skin pixels copied directly over the blemish will have strong effect on the blemish, thus hiding it, but skin pixels copied to the area around the blemish will not affect this area much, and will keep the natural look of the skin (wrinkles etc.) intact as much as possible.

References

*Airey, Theresa. ''Creative Digital Printmaking''.
Google Books
*Evening, Martin. ''Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers''. {{ISBN, 0-240-51984-1}
Google Books
Computer graphic techniques

Paintbrush feathering

Selection feathering

Clone tool feathering

See also

References