Chapter 4

Making Selections

Chapter Lessons

• Make a selection using shapes• Modify a marquee• Select using color and modify a selection• Add a vignette effect to a selection

Combining Images

• Most Photoshop images are created using compositing:– Combining images from different sources

Sources for Images

• Other Photoshop images• Royalty-free images• Pictures from digital cameras• Scanned artwork• Original artwork created in other programs• Other sources that have given you permission

Understanding Selection Tools

• Selection tools are used to select images in order to modify them

• Two common selection methods are available:– Using a tool– Using color

Choosing a Selection Tool

• Examine images to evaluate selection options• Learn how to identify useable edges to isolate

imagery• Learn how to spot colors that can be used to

isolate a specific object

Make a Selection Using Shapes

• Use Freeform tools to select irregular shapes– Click the tool on the Tools panel, then drag the

pointer around the object• Use Fixed-Area tools to select objects that are

rectangular or elliptical

Selection Tools Available

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Understanding Marquees

• A selected shaped is enclosed by a marquee

Elliptical Marquee

Marquee surrounding an irregular shape

Fastening Points

• An anchor within the marquee• Created each time the selection tool is clicked• Visible when Polygonal or Magnetic Lasso

tools are used to select an object

Working with Selections

• Move a selection• Copy a selection• Transform a selection• Make adjustments to a selection• To deselect an image, click Select on the Menu

bar, then click Deselect

Placing a Selection

• Copy or cut a selection, then paste it to a different location or to a different image

• Use the Move tool to drag a selection to a new location

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Selection Hints

Using Guides• Non-printable horizontal and vertical lines• Used to help position a selection• To create a guide – Position the pointer on either ruler – Click and drag the guide into position

Using the Magnetic Lasso Tool

• Use the Magnetic Lasso tool to select an irregular shape

• Click the tool on the edge of the shape to create a fastening point

• Drag the pointer around the shape• Click directly over the initial fastening point to

close the shape

Magnetic Lasso Tool Settings

Tips for Making Selections

• Move the mouse slowly: don’t rush• Keep your hand steady• Make sure your mouse is functioning

properly

Modify a Marquee

• Use selection buttons from the options bar to:– Add to and subtract from a marquee– Intersect with a selection

Expanding a Marquee

Marquee surrounds rectangle

Selection expanded to include three shapes

Marquee expanded by 5

pixels

Using the Quick Selection Tool

• Paint to select an object• Uses a resizable brush• Add and subtract from selection

Marquee Modifications

• Expand a marquee• Contract a marquee• Smooth out the edges of a marquee• Enlarge a marquee and add a border

Select Using Color and Modify a Selection

• Use the Color Range command on the Select menu or

• Use the Magic Wand tool on the Tools panel

Using the Color Range Command

• Select the Color Range command to open the Color Range dialog box

• Identify which colors to use to make a selection

• Exclude colors, if necessary• Click Select on the Menu bar, then click Color

Range to open the Color Range dialog box

Magic Wand Tool Options

• Four selection buttons• Tolerance setting used to specify whether

similar pixels will be selected• Anti-aliased check box used to soften the

appearance of the selection

More Magic Wand Tool Options

• Contiguous check box used to select pixels that are next to one another

• Use All Layers check box used to select pixels from all layers

Selection Tips

• Identify the shape to select• Assess the qualities of the object• Decide which method to use: color or magic

wand– Color: object includes common colors– Magic wand: object includes identifiable edges

and a definable shape

Transforming a Selection

• You transform a selection by changing its size and other qualities– Click Edit on the Menu bar, point to Transform

then select one of the Transform commands

Flipping a Selection

• Transform a selection by flipping it (changing its direction):– Click Edit on the Menu bar– Point to Transform, then click Flip

Horizontal

Healing Brush Tool

• Use the Healing Brush tool on the Tools panel to fix imperfections in an image

• Example of imperfections:– Dirt and scratches in a picture– Wrinkles on a face

Add a Vignette Effect to a Selection

• A picture or portrait whose border fades into the surrounding color at its edges

Uses for Vignettes

• Give an image an old-world appearance• Tone down an overwhelming background

Vignette Characteristics

• A vignette effect uses feathering to fade a marquee shape

• The feather setting blurs the area between the selection and the surrounding pixels

Vignette Example

Before Vignette applied to Background

After Vignette applied to Background

Creating a Vignette• Use a marquee or lasso tool to create a

marquee in an image layer• Modify the feather setting to increase the blur

effect• Add the vignette effect to the layer:– Click Layer on the Menu bar– Point to Add Layer Mask– Click Reveal Selection