Paths
Paths are vector lines you draw with the pen tool, separate from your image's pixels. You use them for clean, precise selections and cutouts, for example in product photography. A path stays sharp and editable regardless of resolution.
Draw anchor points around a subject with the pen tool and bend the lines for smooth curves. Then convert the path into a selection or layer mask for a tidy cutout. Especially handy on hard, straight edges where a quick selection gets too messy. Tip: practice the pen tool calmly, once you have it down it is the cleanest way to cut something out.
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The presets on this site set these adjustments up for you as a starting point, which you then fine-tune to taste.