How to swap faces - Photoshop Tutorial

Introduction

Swapping faces in Photoshop can be a fun and creative way to edit images, and it’s easier than you might think! This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of using the Auto Blend Layers feature in Photoshop to seamlessly swap faces. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Select the Source Face

Begin by selecting the Lasso Tool from the toolbar.
Carefully draw a selection around the face of the source image you want to swap.

Step 2: Move the Selected Face

Once the selection is made, switch to the Move Tool.
Click and drag the selected face into the target file where you want the face to be swapped.

Step 3: Prepare the Face for Blending

Go to the Layers Panel and decrease the opacity of the new face layer to 50%. This will help you see the underlying face.
Press Ctrl + T (or Cmd + T on Mac) to activate the Free Transform tool.
Right-click the image and choose Flip Horizontal to mirror the face.
Adjust the position by dragging the face around and using the handles to match it with the target face.
Once you are satisfied with the placement, press Enter or Return on your keyboard to apply the transformation.

Step 4: Adjust Layer Opacity

Set the opacity back to 100% for the new face layer to make it fully visible.

Step 5: Create a Background Copy

Make a copy of the background layer by pressing Ctrl + J (or Cmd + J on Mac).
Hold Ctrl (or Cmd) and click on the thumbnail of the new face layer to select it.

Step 6: Match Face Colors

To ensure a good blend, navigate to Image > Adjustments > Match Color.
Under the source dropdown, select the document name that you are working on, and set the layer to the background copy layer.
Click OK to apply the color adjustments.

Step 7: Refine the Selection

Go to Select > Modify > Contract and contract the selection by 6 pixels to refine the edges. Note that this value may vary depending on the image size.
Disable the top layer temporarily and select the background copy.
Go to Edit > Clear to remove any unwanted areas around the face.
Next, go to Select > Deselect to remove the selection.

Step 8: Finalize the Face Swap

Enable the top layer once again and select both the top and background copy layers by holding the Shift key.
Go to Edit > Auto Blend Layers, choose the Stack Images option, and click OK to finalize the blend.
Enjoy the seamless face swap result!

Keyword

Photoshop
Face Swap
Auto Blend Layers
Lasso Tool
Move Tool
Free Transform
Match Color
Layer Opacity

FAQ

What tools are used for face swapping in Photoshop?

You primarily use the Lasso Tool to select the face, the Move Tool to position it, and the Free Transform tool for adjustments.

How do I match the skin color of the swapped face with the target image?

Navigate to Image > Adjustments > Match Color, select the source document, and adjust settings until you achieve a natural blend.

What is the purpose of reducing the layer opacity?

Reducing the opacity helps to see the underlying face of the target image, making it easier to align and blend the new face accurately.

Why should I contract the selection before clearing it?

Contracting the selection ensures that the edges of the new face are cleaner and blend more seamlessly with the background, preventing harsh lines.

Can I undo any steps if I make a mistake while face swapping?

Yes! You can always use Ctrl + Z (or Cmd + Z on Mac) to undo recent actions in Photoshop.