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How do you make a selection a specific size in Photoshop?

Published in Image Selection 2 mins read

To make a selection a specific size in Photoshop, you can use the Expand or Contract feature after making an initial selection.

Steps to Resize a Selection

Here's how to achieve a specific selection size in Photoshop using the Expand/Contract method:

  1. Make an Initial Selection: Use any of Photoshop's selection tools (e.g., Rectangular Marquee, Lasso Tool, or Magic Wand) to create a rough selection around the area you want to target.
  2. Access Modify Menu:
    • Go to the Select menu in the top toolbar.
    • Hover over Modify.
  3. Choose Expand or Contract:
    • Click either Expand... to make the selection larger or Contract... to make it smaller.
    • This opens the Expand Selection or Contract Selection dialog box.
  4. Enter Pixel Value:
  • In the dialog box, find the input field labeled Expand By or Contract By.
  • Enter a pixel value between 1 and 100. This value determines by how many pixels the selection expands or contracts in all directions.
  1. Confirm: Click OK. Photoshop will then resize the selection according to the pixel value you entered.

Example

Let's say you have a rectangular selection that is too small. You want to make it slightly larger by 10 pixels. After selecting the area, you would:

  • Go to Select > Modify > Expand....
  • Enter '10' in the 'Expand By' field.
  • Click 'OK'.

This action expands the current selection by 10 pixels in all directions.

Additional Considerations:

  • Pixel Measurement: Photoshop uses pixels for image dimensions, so understanding the pixel size of the selection is important.
  • Trial and Error: You might need to experiment with different pixel values to achieve the exact size you want.
  • Reference information: According to reference information: To change the size of selection, use a selection tool to make a selection. Choose Select Modify Expand or Contract. For Expand By or Contract By, enter a pixel value between 1 and 100, and click OK.

By using the Expand or Contract feature in combination with a pixel value, you can precisely resize selections in Photoshop to your specific needs.

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