Changing a head in Photopea typically involves replacing one head in a picture with another head from a different source image. This process is often called "head swapping" and requires selecting the desired head, copying it, pasting it into the target image, and then carefully blending it in.
Replacing a head in a photograph using Photopea is a common editing technique. It involves several key steps, from initial selection to final blending.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Selecting the Head
First, you need to isolate the head you want to use from its original photo.
- Open Source Image: Open the image containing the head you wish to use in Photopea.
- Choose Selection Tool: Photopea offers various selection tools. As recommended for selecting a face, you can choose the Lasso tool found in the toolbar on the left side of the screen.
- Draw Selection: Draw a line carefully around the face or head you want to select. Don't worry about perfection at this stage; you can refine the edges later.
- Other options: For more precise selections, you might also explore tools like the Quick Selection tool or the Pen tool, depending on the complexity of the image.
Step 2: Copying and Pasting
Once the head is selected, you need to transfer it to your target image.
- Copy the Selection: With the selection active, copy the selected area by pressing Ctrl+C on your keyboard (or go to Edit > Copy in the top menu).
- Switch Documents: Switch to the main document where you want to place the new head. This is the photo where you want to "change" the head.
- Paste the Head: Press Ctrl+V (or go to Edit > Paste) to paste the copied head onto the target image.
- The pasted head will appear as a new layer on top of your original photo.
Step 3: Positioning and Resizing
Now that the head is in the target document, you need to fit it correctly onto the body.
- Select the Move Tool: Choose the Move tool (usually the first tool in the toolbar, looks like a cross with arrows) to position the pasted head.
- Free Transform: To resize and rotate the head to match the body and perspective, go to Edit > Free Transform or press Ctrl+T. Drag the corners of the bounding box to resize, and drag outside the corners to rotate. Hold Shift while resizing to maintain proportions.
- Adjust the size, angle, and position until the new head roughly aligns with the neck and shoulders in the target photo. You might find it helpful to lower the layer's Opacity temporarily to see the layer below and align the features better.
Step 4: Blending and Refining Edges
This is where you make the new head look like it belongs in the photo. This step requires patience and attention to detail.
- Refine Edges: The pasted head likely has sharp edges from the Lasso selection. Add a Layer Mask to the new head layer (click the mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel). Select a soft brush (B key) with black color and paint on the mask to gently blend the edges of the new head into the target image. Use a white brush to bring back areas if you remove too much.
- Match Color and Light: Differences in lighting and color between the two photos will be obvious. Use Adjustment Layers (Layer > New Adjustment Layer) like Hue/Saturation, Levels, or Curves clipped to the head layer to match its color and brightness to the rest of the photo.
- Remove Old Head: If the old head is visible, you may need to use a Layer Mask on the original layer to hide the unwanted part, or use tools like the Clone Stamp or Healing Brush on the original layer below the new head layer to paint it out if necessary.
By following these steps, starting with the selection and pasting described in the reference, you can effectively change (replace) a head in your photos using Photopea.
| Step | Action | Key Tools / Menus |
|---|---|---|
| Select Head | Isolate the head from the source image. | Lasso Tool, Ctrl+C / Edit > Copy |
| Paste Head | Place the head into the target image. | Ctrl+V / Edit > Paste |
| Position/Resize | Align the new head with the body. | Move Tool, Edit > Free Transform |
| Blend/Refine | Integrate the new head seamlessly. | Layer Mask, Brush Tool, Adjustment Layers |
Tips for a Natural Look
- Choose source and target images with similar lighting conditions, perspectives, and resolutions.
- Work non-destructively by using Layer Masks and Adjustment Layers.
- Zoom in closely to refine edges and check blending.
