Here is how you change or invert a selection in Photoshop:
The quickest way to invert a selection in Photoshop is by using a simple keyboard shortcut: Shift + Ctrl + I on Windows or Shift + Command + I on Mac.
Inverting a selection in Photoshop means you swap the selected area with the currently unselected area. Everything that was not selected becomes selected, and everything that was selected becomes unselected. This is incredibly useful for isolating subjects, changing backgrounds, or applying effects to everything except your main focus.
There are two primary ways to invert a selection:
1. Using the Keyboard Shortcut
This is the fastest and most common method. Once you have an active selection (you'll see the "marching ants" outline), use the following shortcut:
- Windows: Shift + Ctrl + I
- Mac: Shift + Command + I
As mentioned in the reference, this method is "quick and efficient, especially when you need to invert selections frequently."
2. Using the Menu Command
You can also invert a selection through Photoshop's menu system:
- Ensure you have an active selection.
- Go to the Select menu at the top of your screen.
- Choose Inverse.
Both the shortcut and the menu command achieve the exact same result. The shortcut is simply a more efficient way for many users.
Why Invert a Selection?
Inverting a selection is a fundamental technique used for various purposes, such as:
- Removing Backgrounds: Select your subject, then invert the selection to select the background, which you can then delete or replace.
- Applying Effects: Select an area (e.g., a person), invert the selection to select everything else (the background), and then apply a blur or color adjustment only to the background.
- Creating Vignettes: Select a central area, invert, and then darken the edges.
Choosing the method (shortcut or menu) depends purely on your workflow preference. For speed and repetitive tasks, the keyboard shortcut is generally preferred.
