You can select the inverse of a selection in Photoshop Elements by right-clicking the selection and choosing "Select Inverse", or by going to the "Select" menu and choosing "Inverse".
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Methods for Inverting a Selection:
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Right-Click Method:
- Make a selection using any of the selection tools (e.g., Rectangular Marquee Tool, Lasso Tool, Magic Wand Tool).
- Right-click inside the selected area.
- From the context menu that appears, choose "Select Inverse".
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Menu Bar Method:
- Make a selection using any of the selection tools.
- Go to the "Select" menu at the top of the Photoshop Elements window.
- Choose "Inverse" from the dropdown menu.
What "Select Inverse" Does:
The "Select Inverse" command reverses your selection. This means that everything outside of your original selection becomes selected, and your original selection is deselected.
Example:
Imagine you've used the Elliptical Marquee Tool to select a circle in the middle of an image. If you then choose "Select Inverse", the circle will be deselected, and everything else in the image will be selected. You can then apply adjustments, effects, or deletions to the area outside the original circle.
Why Use Select Inverse?
- Editing the Background: It's often easier to select a subject and then invert the selection to quickly isolate and edit the background.
- Applying Effects to Specific Areas: If you want to apply a filter or adjustment to everything except a specific object, selecting the object and then inverting the selection is an efficient way to do it.
- Complex Selections: Sometimes, it's easier to select what you don't want and then invert the selection to get the desired final selection.
