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MASTERING PIXEL SELECTION TOOLS |
There are several tools in Photoshop which can be used to make selections. While learning how to use each tool is obviously necessary, one of the most important skills to learn is which tool to use in any given situation, since some tools work better with certain types of selections than others. Below is a list of tips for each type of selection tool, along with useful advice for each:
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MAGIC WAND:
The magic wand tool is handy for making quick selections to areas that contain
multiple colours, especially areas that contains colours that are very similar
to each other. Tolerance can be set in the tool's dialog box, affecting how large
a range of colours are selected with each click. By holding SHIFT and clicking
you can add areas to the current selection, and by holding CTRL and clicking you
can subtract areas from the current selection. |
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LASSO:
The lasso tool can be used in a variety of situations, especially when a specific
area of an image needs a filter applied to it, without the need for a high degree
of accuracy in the selection (eg. selecting background elements of an image for
blurring). The lasso tool is also good for isolating part of an image which can
then be accurately selected with the colour range tool. The lasso tool can also
be feathered (via its dialog box) for Vignette effects, or to creating 'glowing
auras' behind text. |
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COLOUR RANGE:
The colour range tool is great for getting an accurate selection when an image
contains a high degree of contrast between colours. It is also a quick method
of acquiring a selection, being much faster than the path tool. |
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PATH TOOL:
Definitely the most comprehensive and accurate tool for cutting out image elements,
the path tool can however, be hard to use for beginners who have little experience
with bezier curves. By working at a high zoom level, a highly accurate mask can
usually be attained, although in selection edge areas where colours gradually
fade into one another it often helps to switch to a lower zoom level to better
judge the overall scope of the current path. One important aspect of the path
tool is that once a path is saved, and then converted into a selection, you can
later go back and alter the path (and therefore the selection) by moving individual
control points. Another tip is to always use accurately shaped path curves (instead
of straight lines created at a very high zoom level) for objects that are rounded
in nature (eg. apples, basketballs, CD's, etc.) because you will be sure that
selection will be accurate no matter how large the selected object is to be in
the final image. |
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GENERAL TIPS:
Always save important selections to alpha channels (using the save selection option)
because you never know when you will need them again, especially if minor changes
need to be made later to the tones, highlights or colours of a specific selection.
While tools like the magic wand, and the colour range option are great for making
quick selections, don't be tempted to use them for everything. When working with
detailed areas, you can end up spending a lot of time trying to get an quick,
accurate selection with these tools, but in the end you will probably have saved
time by working with the path tool from the beginning. |