You can edit an object selection in Photoshop by refining the selection using tools to add to or subtract from the initial selection.
Here's a breakdown of how to edit your object selection:
1. Refine the Selection:
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Adding to the Selection: In the Options bar (usually at the top of your screen), locate the icon that represents adding to the selection (often a brush icon with a plus sign). Select this. Now, use your brush (the size can be adjusted as needed) to paint over the areas you want to add to the existing selection. Photoshop will intelligently interpret your strokes and incorporate those areas into the selection.
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Subtracting from the Selection: Similar to adding, locate the icon representing subtracting from the selection (often a brush icon with a minus sign) in the Options bar. Select it. Now, use your brush to paint over the areas you want to remove from the selection.
2. Using Selection Tools for Editing:
Photoshop offers several selection tools that can be used to refine your object selection:
- Lasso Tool (L): Good for drawing freehand selections. Hold Alt/Option while using it to switch to the Polygonal Lasso Tool for creating straight-edged selections.
- Polygonal Lasso Tool (L): Allows you to create selections with straight lines and angles. Click to set points and complete the selection by clicking the starting point.
- Magnetic Lasso Tool (L): Automatically snaps to the edges of objects as you trace them. This is useful for selections with well-defined edges and good contrast.
- Quick Selection Tool (W): "Paints" a selection by automatically finding and following defined edges in the image.
- Object Selection Tool (W): Click and drag a rectangle or lasso around an object, and Photoshop uses AI to automatically select it. (Best for clearly defined objects.)
- Select and Mask: Located in the Options bar after making a selection, this opens a dedicated workspace to further refine the selection, especially around hair or fur.
3. Refining with Select and Mask Workspace:
For the most precise control over your object selection, especially with complex edges, use the "Select and Mask" workspace:
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Access Select and Mask: After making an initial selection with any selection tool, click the "Select and Mask" button in the Options bar at the top of the screen.
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Tools in Select and Mask:
- Brush Tool: Used for painting to refine the selection, adding or subtracting areas.
- Refine Edge Brush Tool: Specifically designed for refining the edges of selections, particularly useful for hair, fur, or other fine details. Paint along the edge to improve the selection.
- Lasso Tool: For making adjustments to the selection boundary.
- Hand Tool: To pan around the image.
- Zoom Tool: To zoom in for detail work.
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Properties Panel in Select and Mask:
- View Mode: Allows you to view your selection against different backgrounds for easier evaluation.
- Edge Detection: Adjust the radius to detect edges more accurately.
- Global Refinements:
- Smooth: Smooths the selection boundary.
- Feather: Blurs the selection edge for a softer transition.
- Contrast: Increases the sharpness of the selection edge.
- Shift Edge: Moves the selection boundary inward or outward.
- Output Settings: Choose what you want to do with the refined selection:
- Selection: Creates a selection.
- Layer Mask: Creates a layer mask to non-destructively hide or reveal portions of a layer.
- New Layer: Creates a new layer with the selected content.
- New Layer with Layer Mask: Creates a new layer with the selected content and a corresponding layer mask.
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Apply Your Changes: Once you are satisfied with your refined selection, choose an output option and click "OK" to apply the changes.
4. Editing the Selection (Example using a Layer Mask):
If you chose to output a "Layer Mask", you can further edit the selection non-destructively by editing the mask itself:
- Painting on the Mask: Select the layer mask thumbnail in the Layers panel. Use a brush tool. Painting with black conceals parts of the layer, while painting with white reveals parts of the layer. Shades of gray will create partial transparency.
5. Completing the Edit:
Once you are satisfied with your selection and any associated layer masks, you can proceed with your intended edit, such as applying a filter, making color adjustments, or moving the selected object to another layer.
By mastering these techniques, you can precisely edit object selections in Photoshop, enabling you to create stunning and sophisticated image manipulations.
