Feathering
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Feathering is a technique used in computer graphics software to smooth or blur the edges of a feature. The term is inherited from a technique of fine retouching using feathers.
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 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 wanted to add a leaf to a photograph of grass using computer graphics software, they might use feathering on the leaf to make it blend in with the grassy background.