Don’t worry, I’m not going to throw 47 buttons at you. There are really only two ways to do this, and both are easier than folding a fitted sheet. (Okay, maybe not that easy, but close.)
Method 1: The “Do It Before” Way (My Favorite)
First, grab your Marquee Tool (the square or circle guy) or the Lasso Tool. Before you even make a selection, look up at the top of the screen. See that little box labeled “Feather”? It probably says “0 px.” Change that number to something like 10, 20, or 50 depending on how soft you want it.
Now, drag out your selection. Poof! The corners are already soft. It’s like ordering your coffee with the milk already in it. Pro tip: start small, like 5 pixels, because you can always undo. Or don’t start small—I’m not your pixel-parent.
Method 2: The “Oops, I Forgot” Way (Totally Fine)
This is for when you’ve already made a selection and it looks like a robot sneezed on your photo. No shame—we’ve all been there. Go up to the top menu and click Select > Modify > Feather. Or, if you’re fancy, just hit Shift + F6 on your keyboard. (See? You’re already becoming a keyboard ninja.)
How To Feather Edges In Photoshop at Nathaniel Ackerman blog
A tiny box will pop up asking for a radius. Type in a number—maybe 15 or 30 if you want a dramatic, glowy edge. Hit OK, and your harsh selection is now a gentle, blushing cloud. Ahhh, much better.
