Editing your object selection in Photoshop is a fundamental skill for isolating subjects, removing backgrounds, and applying targeted adjustments.
Once you've made an initial selection, you often need to refine it by adding or removing areas. Photoshop provides simple keyboard shortcuts and tools to modify your selection precisely.
Steps to Edit Your Selection
Editing a selection typically involves starting with a base selection and then using specific modifier keys with your selection tools to adjust its boundaries.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Draw an Initial Selection
The first step is always to draw an initial selection. You can use various tools like the Lasso Tool, Marquee Tool, Object Selection Tool, Quick Selection Tool, or Magic Wand Tool. The goal is to get a starting point, even if it's not perfect.
2. Look for Problems with the Selection
After creating the initial selection, examine it closely. Are there areas of the object that were missed? Are there areas outside the object that were accidentally included? Identifying these issues helps you plan your editing steps.
3. Add to the Selection
If parts of the object were not included in your initial selection, you need to add them.
- How to add: Select your preferred selection tool (like the Lasso or Quick Selection tool). Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard. You will see a small "+" icon appear next to your tool cursor.
- Action: While holding Shift, drag or click over the areas you want to add to the existing selection.
4. Subtract from the Selection
If areas outside the object were included in your selection, you need to remove them.
- How to subtract: Select your preferred selection tool. Hold down the Alt key (on Windows) or the Option key (on Mac) on your keyboard. You will see a small "-" icon appear next to your tool cursor.
- Action: While holding Alt (Win) / Option (Mac), drag or click over the areas you want to subtract from the existing selection.
Summary of Selection Editing Modes
| Action | Keyboard Shortcut (Win) | Keyboard Shortcut (Mac) | Tool Cursor Icon |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Selection | None | None | (Tool dependent) |
| Add to Selection | Hold Shift | Hold Shift | + |
| Subtract from Selection | Hold Alt | Hold Option | - |
Using these basic modifier keys allows you to refine almost any selection made with any selection tool in Photoshop, giving you precise control over your masked areas.
