How Do I Add a Selection to a Selection in GIMP?

You can add to an existing selection in GIMP using the Add mode, which is accessible in several ways.

Methods for Adding to a Selection

Here are the primary methods to add to a selection in GIMP:

• Using the Shift Key: The easiest way is to press and hold the Shift key while making a new selection. GIMP will automatically add the new selection to the existing one. This method is temporary; as long as you hold Shift, you are in Add mode. Releasing the Shift key reverts to the default selection mode (usually Replace).

• Setting the Tool Options:

  1. Select a selection tool (e.g., Rectangle Select, Ellipse Select, Free Select).
  2. In the Tool Options dock (usually located below the toolbox on the left side of the screen), find the "Mode" options.
  3. Choose the "Add to the current selection" option. This sets the tool to Add mode permanently until you change it.

Example

Let's say you have a rectangular selection and you want to add a circular area to it.

1. Make the initial rectangular selection using the Rectangle Select tool.
2. Select the Ellipse Select tool.
3. Hold down the Shift key and drag the Ellipse Select tool to create a circular selection that overlaps with the rectangle.
4. Release the mouse button (and the Shift key). The circular area will now be added to your original rectangular selection.

Tips for Precision

• Feathering: If your selections have feathering, be mindful of how the feathered edges interact when adding selections. Overlapping feathered edges might produce unexpected results.
• Anti-aliasing: Similar to feathering, anti-aliasing can affect the appearance of combined selections.
• Selection Editor: For very complex selection additions, consider using the Selection Editor (Select > Edit Selection) for finer control and manipulation.

By using either the Shift key shortcut or by selecting the "Add to the current selection" option in the Tool Options, you can easily combine selections in GIMP for complex editing tasks.