Basic Selection Tools in Photoshop

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to use the Rectangle and Lasso selection tools effectively
• Understand when to apply each tool for different selection tasks
• Discover the AI Object Select feature and its practical applications
• Combine selection tools to create precise, complex selections

Introduction

Selection tools form the backbone of precise photo editing in Photoshop. Without them, you'd be editing entire images rather than specific areas. This chapter covers three essential selection tools: the Rectangle Tool for geometric selections, the Lasso Tool for freehand work, and the new AI Object Select feature that does the heavy lifting for you.

Getting comfortable with these tools means you can isolate any part of your image for targeted editing. Whether you're removing backgrounds, adjusting specific colours, or creating composites, these tools are your starting point.

Lessons

The Rectangle Tool Basics

The Rectangle Tool creates clean, geometric selections. It's perfect for selecting windows, screens, book covers, or any rectangular element in your photos.

How to use it:

• Press M on your keyboard or click the Rectangle Tool in the toolbar
• Click and drag across your image to create the selection
• The marching ants outline shows your selected area

Pro techniques:

• Hold Shift while dragging to create perfect squares
• Hold Alt (Option on Mac) to draw from the centre outward
• Use the arrow keys to nudge your selection into the exact position

This tool works best when you need clean, straight edges. Think product photography where you want to select a phone screen or isolate a business card.

Working with the Lasso Tool

The Lasso Tool gives you complete freehand control over your selections. It's ideal for organic shapes, people, animals, or any irregular object.

Basic technique:

• Press L or select the Lasso Tool from the toolbar
• Click and hold your mouse button
• Draw around the object you want to select
• Complete the loop by returning to your starting point

Getting better results:

• Zoom in before making detailed selections
• Take your time around complex edges like hair or foliage
• Don't worry about perfection on the first try – you can always refine

The Lasso Tool requires practice. Start with simple shapes and gradually work up to more complex subjects. Your hand will become steadier with experience.

AI Object Select in Action

AI Object Select uses artificial intelligence to detect and select objects automatically. It's particularly useful for isolating subjects from busy backgrounds.

How it works:

• Go to Select > Object Selection Tool (or press W)
• Simply click on the object you want to select
• Photoshop analyses the image and creates the selection boundary
• Refine the selection if needed using other tools

Best scenarios for AI Object Select:

• Clear subjects against contrasting backgrounds
• Well-lit photos with defined edges
• Common objects the AI recognises easily

This tool isn't perfect, but it's remarkably good at getting you 80% of the way there quickly. You can then use other selection tools to refine the edges.

Combining Selection Tools

The real power comes from using these tools together. Start with AI Object Select for the bulk of your selection, then switch to the Lasso Tool for detailed edge work.

Workflow example:

• Use AI Object Select to grab the main subject
• Hold Shift and use the Lasso Tool to add missed areas
• Hold Alt and use the Lasso Tool to subtract unwanted parts
• Switch to Rectangle Tool if you need to add geometric elements

Remember, selections are additive and subtractive. You're building up the perfect selection rather than getting it right in one go.

Practice

Open a photo with a clear subject and contrasting background. Try selecting the main subject using each tool separately:

1. First, use the Rectangle Tool to select a portion of your image
2. Next, try the Lasso Tool to select an irregular object
3. Finally, use AI Object Select on the main subject

Now combine the tools. Start with AI Object Select, then refine using the Lasso Tool. Notice how each tool has different strengths and the combination gives you more control.

FAQs

Why does my Lasso Tool selection look jagged?
This usually happens when you're working too quickly or at too low a zoom level. Zoom in closer and slow down your movements for smoother selections.

Can I save my selections for later use?
Yes, go to Select > Save Selection to store your selection. You can reload it anytime using Select > Load Selection.

The AI Object Select isn't working well on my image. What's wrong?
AI Object Select works best with clear, well-defined subjects. Try it on images with good contrast between subject and background. Complex or low-contrast images may need manual selection tools.

How do I fix a selection that's almost right but needs small adjustments?
Use Quick Mask mode (press Q) to see your selection as a red overlay. Paint with white to add to the selection or black to subtract from it.

Jargon Buster

Selection – A defined area of your image marked for editing, shown by marching ants

Marching ants – The animated dotted line that shows your active selection boundary

Quick Mask – A mode that displays your selection as a coloured overlay for easier editing

Additive selection – Adding to an existing selection by holding Shift while using selection tools

Subtractive selection – Removing from an existing selection by holding Alt while using selection tools

Wrap-up

You now have three powerful selection tools in your toolkit. The Rectangle Tool handles geometric selections with precision. The Lasso Tool gives you complete freehand control. AI Object Select speeds up the process for recognisable subjects.

The key is knowing which tool to reach for in different situations. Practice with each one individually, then start combining them for complex selections. Your editing precision will improve dramatically once these tools become second nature.

Next, we'll look at more advanced selection tools like the Pen Tool and Channels, which give you even greater control over complex selections.

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