The patch tool is often a very underutilized tool in Photoshop. Hidden under the Spot healing brush and 2 other tools, the Patch tool is similar to a combination of the lasso tool and the healing tool. You select an area, click the appropriate button (source or destination- mine is usually on source) and then drag the selection to another area that has characteristics that fit your needs.
For example, in one of my photos, “Fall in the Hills”, the photo was dotted with houses and roads that didn’t add to the composition. I simply drew around the houses and roads with the patch tool and drug them into an area with trees. The result is no more houses/roads, that simple. The patch tool is often superior and easier to use than the clone tool, especially for large areas, achieving better results.
Another example, if someone has black rings under the eyes, you trace around the area that needs work on, select “source” in the Tools Option Bar right above the Tools Palette), and drag it to an another area of skin that has a more likely color. Make sure that the area you are dragging to is blemish free, as you will pick up any blemishes that are in the destination area.
The best way to see how this tool works is to practice with it. Easy to use, you can cut your work time way down by using this over the clone tool. I rarely use the spot healing tools any more as well, finding this faster and easier. For most general use, it is easy to use. It takes a little more practice to use when there are lines in the area that needs to be fixed. You must drag it to a destination that has the lines at the exact same angle.
The patch tool goes all the way back to Photoshop 7, and has been improved on in the newer versions of Photoshop.
Julie Langford
,
12 months ago
Thanks for the words up Derid. I tried using this tool one day last week to see what it did. Didnt work for me at all, but that is because I was trying to do the wrong thing with it [I know now from reading your post]. Will try it out.
Anita Donohoe, 12 months ago
Thank you, derid!
I use the Clone tool occasionally but didn’t know about the Patch tool.
Great tip!
Deri Dority, 12 months ago
The patch tool is one of those tools that is indispensable for photo restorations or for touch ups on photos. Once you start using it you will wonder what you did with out it. Since the advent of the clone tool, the patch tool unfortunately went by the wayside. I am going to be doing a series on underutilized tools.
Paul Tupman, 12 months ago
Another great tip I wasn’t really aware of the benefits of the patch tool myself. I ‘ll definately be checking that one out.. will look forward to the series on underutilized tools to see how much more I’m missing out on! Thanks Derid!
Dave Sandersfeld, 12 months ago
Derid; I haven’t had time to investigate computer photo shop stuff; but sounds like i should, eventually! Thanks for an excellent insight. You don’t have to live with the photo taken in situ!
Doctors bury their mistakes and engineers have to live with them; I guess photographers can hide their mistakes! What a concept!!!!
Thanks for tip!
Elizabeth Burton, 12 months ago
Thank you Derid…That is a tool I could never understand till now and it will save many photos with unwanted images burried in them…lol I will play around with this tool tonight. Thanks again for the tips :)
schizoren, 12 months ago
very informative
its not hiding mistakes only improving on a shot
that is otherwise great thanks!
Deri Dority, 12 months ago
I am in the process of trying to figure out how to add pictures to the tutorial that might help make more sense.
Robyn Lakeman, 12 months ago
Thanks for this derid, really appreciated. I’ve always used the clone tool but will have to try the patch tool out
PhotogeniquE IPA, 12 months ago
thanks for that – every tip helps!
MaluC, 11 months ago
Woww Thanks! I should go to try that one right away, I have a couple of images that will need that
Deri Dority, 11 months ago
I just posted a picture called Paradise In the picture I removed 2 people using the patch tool. It took about 5 minutes total time, to remove them.
MaluC, 11 months ago
ok so just tried it and I think I’ve found my new favorite tool :) Thanks again Derid!
MaluC, 11 months ago
Your image is excellent Derid, you can’t tell where the people was