Removing backgrounds

[DeadKennedys]

I have a number of pictures that have nice image (like a sword or something not-square) sitting on an ugly background. What program do I need (and is there alot of skill involved?) to remove backgrounds from images?

[Dr. Boogie]

Photoshop has a Magnetic Lasso tool that works nicely for stuff like that. I haven't used it too often, but all you really need to do is guide it near the edge of whatever you're trying to cut out, and it should snap to the edge, and if not, you can adjust the tolerance until it does.

[DeadKennedys]

That sounds really nice, I'm kind of pressed for cash so can you suggest me the cheapest version of photoshop that has the Magnetic Lasso and is still worth buying?

[ziggytrix]

Photoshop Elements is the entry level version. The newest version is 4.0 (or 3.0 for the Mac version). I don't know if it specifically has the magnetic lasso, but it does have some simple masking tools, according to Adobe's website.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000AP89JE/ruggedeleganc23-20/002-3922464-8900819

To go any cheaper than that you'd have to steal it off the internet. :(

[DeadKennedys]

That sounds like a pretty good buy but I'd like to be sure if it's got the Lasso or not... anyone savvy?

[Diseased]

The magic wand is also a brilliant tool for removing backgrounds. Rename the layer to something else (default is "background") so that it will no longer be locked, then click somewhere on the background and press delete. Repeat until the whole background is removed.

[GADZOOKS]

Just get the GIMP, it's like photoshop but free and harder.

JUST GET THE GIMP, ASSHOLE.