Adding to an existing selection in Photoshop is straightforward. The primary method involves using the Shift key (macOS) or Ctrl key (Windows) while making your selection.
Methods for Adding to Your Selection
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Using the Shift/Ctrl Key: This is the most common and efficient way to add to an existing selection. After making your initial selection, hold down the Shift (macOS) or Ctrl (Windows) key and then make another selection using any selection tool (e.g., Lasso, Marquee, Object Selection). Photoshop will add the new selection to the existing one. Sources like Adobe's help pages and numerous online tutorials confirm this method. (https://helpx.adobe.com/content/help/en/photoshop/using/tool-techniques/object-selection-tool.html, https://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/object-selection-tool/)
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Using the "Add to Selection" Button: Some selection tools have an "Add to Selection" button in the options bar. Clicking this button before making a new selection will also add to your existing selection. (https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/object-selection-tool-how-do-i-a-merge-selections-b-save-all-selections-as-images/m-p/13938398#M744325)
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Combining Multiple Selections: You can add to your selection by using different selection tools in sequence, holding Shift/Ctrl between each selection. This allows for precise control over complex selections. This technique is frequently mentioned in online forums and tutorials. (https://www.reddit.com/r/photoshop/comments/glunsc/how_to_manually_adjust_selections_made_by_the/)
Example:
Let's say you want to select two separate objects in your image.
- Use the Object Selection tool to select the first object.
- Hold down Shift (macOS) or Ctrl (Windows).
- Use the Object Selection tool again to select the second object. Both objects will now be included in a single selection.
Remember to refine your selections using tools like the Refine Edge tool for optimal results, especially with complex objects.
