Image matting tool

If you need a powerful tool for cutting objects out from their backgrounds, then you can’t go wrong with Image Matting. This software offers image segmentation tools that provide clear cuts for all objects. However, it can be challenging to cut out objects with fuzzy borders and semi-transparent areas that have no clear outlines. At times like these, alpha channels are created to define the degree to which the background shines through the foreground. This process is called Image Matting.

Using this software, you can define a rough boundary of an object with a large brush. During the drawing process, an interactive, high-quality segmentation is generated. If you encounter problematic areas, you can edit them manually.

To use Image Matting, begin with ./generic image.png, where "image" can be a PNG, JPG or BMP file. Middle-click on the object you want to segment before starting the segmentation. If your object is none-convex, click into different parts of the object's interior during the segmentation.

Use the left mouse button to start the segmentation process by drawing along the object's silhouette. If you need to draw the alpha matte manually, use the right button. If you start the brush in a transparent area, the brush will continue to draw transparently.

You can change the brush size using the keys '1' - '4' and toggle the background between the checkerboard pattern, white, and the alpha-channel itself using the ‘b’ key. Displaying the alpha-channel is helpful for brushing up the final result.

Finally, you can quit the program at any time by pressing the ‘q’ key.