While Photoshop doesn't have a specific "grid selection" tool that automatically selects based on a grid, you can effectively create selections that align with a grid using Photoshop's grid feature in conjunction with snapping. Here's how:
1. Enable and Customize the Grid
First, you need to set up your grid in Photoshop.
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Go to View > Show > Grid. This will display the grid on your canvas.
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To customize the grid's appearance and spacing, go to Edit > Preferences > Guides, Grid & Slices (or Photoshop CC > Preferences > Guides, Grid & Slices on macOS).
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In the Preferences window, adjust the following settings:
- Gridline Every: This determines the distance between the major grid lines. Experiment with different values based on your needs. For example, you might set it to
50 pixels. - Subdivisions: This determines how many lines are between the major grid lines. A value of
1means one line between each major grid line. Higher values create a finer grid. - You can also customize the color and style of the grid lines.
- Gridline Every: This determines the distance between the major grid lines. Experiment with different values based on your needs. For example, you might set it to
2. Enable Snap to Grid
Next, you need to enable "Snap to Grid" to make it easier to align your selections with the grid lines.
- Go to View > Snap. Ensure that Snap is checked.
- Then, go to View > Snap To and make sure Grid is checked. This tells Photoshop to make elements snap to the grid when you move or create them.
3. Create Your Selection
Now, you can create selections that align with the grid.
- Using Selection Tools: Use any of Photoshop's selection tools (Rectangular Marquee, Elliptical Marquee, Lasso, etc.) to create your selection. Because "Snap to Grid" is enabled, the selection edges will automatically snap to the nearest grid lines as you draw.
- Precise Placement: Start your selection at an intersection of gridlines and drag to another intersection. The selection will "jump" to the grid points.
4. Fine-tuning and Alternatives
- Adjusting Selections: After making a selection, you can still fine-tune it. Use the arrow keys while a selection tool is active to nudge the selection one pixel at a time (or shift+arrow key to nudge 10 pixels at a time). The "Snap to Grid" will no longer apply after the initial selection is made.
- Guides: For a more visual approach, create guides based on your desired grid layout (View > New Guide). You can then snap selections to these guides instead of the grid. Guides can be easier to see and manage than a fine grid.
Example
Let's say you want to select a square that is 100x100 pixels and perfectly aligned with a grid where the gridlines are every 50 pixels.
- Set up the grid as described above, with "Gridline Every" set to
50 pixelsand "Subdivisions" set to1. - Enable "Snap to Grid".
- Select the Rectangular Marquee Tool.
- Click at the intersection of two gridlines to start your selection.
- Drag until the selection covers exactly four grid squares (2 squares wide and 2 squares high). Photoshop will snap the selection boundaries to the grid lines, ensuring a perfect 100x100 pixel square aligned with the grid.
By using the grid and the "Snap To Grid" feature, you can effectively create selections that align perfectly with a predefined grid in Photoshop, even though there isn't a dedicated "grid selection" tool.
