To manually adjust an object selection in Photoshop, you use keyboard modifiers in conjunction with selection tools to add to or subtract from an existing selection.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
Adding to a Selection:
- Select a Selection Tool: Choose a selection tool like the Lasso Tool, Rectangular Marquee Tool, Elliptical Marquee Tool, or Quick Selection Tool.
- Hold the Shift Key: Press and hold the Shift key. You'll notice a plus sign (+) appear next to your cursor.
- Make an Additional Selection: While holding Shift, click and drag to create a new selection that overlaps with the existing selection. Photoshop will add the new selection to the original one.
Subtracting from a Selection:
- Select a Selection Tool: Choose a selection tool (as above).
- Hold the Alt/Option Key: Press and hold the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (macOS). You'll notice a minus sign (-) appear next to your cursor.
- Make a Selection to Subtract: While holding Alt/Option, click and drag to create a selection over the area you want to remove from the existing selection. Photoshop will subtract this new selection from the original.
Key Considerations:
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Feathering: Be mindful of feathering settings. A feathered selection will have a softer edge, which can influence how additions and subtractions blend with the existing selection. Check the tool options bar for the Feather setting.
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Anti-aliasing: Similar to feathering, anti-aliasing smoothes the edges of a selection. This is generally desirable, but in some cases, it can make precise adjustments more difficult. Check the tool options bar for Anti-aliasing settings.
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Selection Tools: Different selection tools are suitable for different types of adjustments. The Lasso Tool is useful for freehand adjustments, while the Rectangular or Elliptical Marquee Tools are better for geometric shapes. The Quick Selection Tool and Magic Wand Tool can be useful for rapidly selecting portions of an image based on tones and color.
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Refine Edge (Select and Mask): For more complex selections, especially those involving hair or fur, the "Select and Mask" workspace (formerly "Refine Edge") provides advanced tools for refining the selection edges. This allows you to adjust the selection's edge, feather, contrast, and more, leading to a more natural and realistic result.
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Practice: Manual selection adjustments take practice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different tools and techniques to find what works best for you. Zooming in for greater precision is often helpful.
By using the Shift and Alt/Option keys in conjunction with selection tools, you can precisely refine your object selections in Photoshop.
