How do I change the pixel selection in Photoshop?

You can change the size of your pixel selection in Photoshop by expanding or contracting it. Here's how:

Steps to Modify Pixel Selection:

1. Make a Selection: First, use any of Photoshop's selection tools (like the Lasso Tool, Marquee Tool, or Magic Wand Tool) to create your initial selection.

2. Access Modify Options: Go to the top menu bar and select Select and then Modify. You will see two options: Expand and Contract.

3. Choose Expand or Contract:

   • Expand: Choose Expand to make the selection area larger.
   • Contract: Choose Contract to make the selection area smaller.

4. Set Pixel Value: A dialog box will appear asking for a pixel value. Enter a value between 1 and 100 in the corresponding Expand By or Contract By field.

5. Apply Changes: Click OK. The selection border will move outwards (expand) or inwards (contract) by the specified number of pixels.

Example:

Let's say you have a selection around a subject and want to expand it by 5 pixels:

• Use a selection tool to select your subject.
• Go to Select > Modify > Expand.
• Enter "5" in the Expand By field.
• Click OK. Your selection will now be 5 pixels larger in all directions.

Similarly, you can contract a selection by a specific number of pixels using the Contract option.

Practical Tips:

• Experiment with Values: Start with small pixel values (1-5) to understand how expansion/contraction affects your selection before using larger values.
• Use with Feathering: After modifying your selection size, you can also apply feathering for smoother transitions around the selection border. Go to Select > Modify > Feather to apply it.

Action	Menu Path	Pixel Range
Expand	Select > Modify > Expand	1 - 100 pixels
Contract	Select > Modify > Contract	1 - 100 pixels

By using these steps, you can precisely adjust your pixel selections in Photoshop for various editing tasks.