Images are not that perfect, but the graphics world does not have a room for imperfections. So, computer graphics programs have tried and are still trying to create special tools that will help users in editing their work.

Image imperfections refer to flaws, such as blemishes, scratches and other unwanted spots. These are the things that you would not want your image to have. You would probably resort to editing tools.

One of the most widely used tools to fix such problem is the Clone tool. Clone tool takes the pixel of the sample area onto the part or flaw that you are correcting. Sample area, by the way, refers to that part that you want to replace the flaw with. For example, you want to correct your own photograph because it has dark spots on the right cheek. You can use the other cheek as a sample area. It’s like copying the left cheek and pasting it on the right cheek to cover the spots. Clone tool, however, has a drawback. Clone area is easy to spot because, sometimes, the color of the sample area and the area around the flaw does not match. This can also happen even if they have the same texture.

There is a tool that deals with this kind of problem, Photoshop’s Healing Brush. This tool is a lot better because it does not only drop the pixel of the sample area to the flaw; it also uses the texture of the sample area and applies its tonal characteristic around the flaw. The tool identifies the flaw, the area near the flaw and the sample area. To access this tool, you can either select the icon that looks like a bandage from the Toolbar palette or press the J on the keyboard. In getting the sample, hold down Alt and click on the area. To paint over the flaw, simply click and drag the sample.

Patch tool is just like the Healing Brush. It uses the same technique, but is simpler. It is designed to remove large flaws. If you want to use this, the first thing you have to do is to select a flaw area. Then, click and drag that area over to the sample area. When you let go, the texture of the flaw area will be replaced by the texture of the sample area.

The Patch tool has two sets of options, the Patch tool Option and the pattern option. The patch tool option includes source that determines the behavior of the tool, and the destination, which reverses the behavior of the tool. The second option enables you to use a pattern to fill an area. It works on the tone and hue.

Photoshop’s Healing Brush and Patch tools allow you to make images close to perfect.