How to edit a photo in Photoshop - Adobe
Discover how to get started with photo editing as a beginner including how to edit photos in Photoshop using some basic photo editing techniques.
selection tools
By separating elements of an image into different layers, you can focus on that component on its own. Use fast <anchor>selection tools</anchor> to quickly grab one area of an image and then create a layer mask with it. If you have one layer for your sky, you can make adjustments that apply just to the sky, like extra brightness or a blur effect. If another layer is only your subject in the foreground, you can adjust how they look without affecting the background.
Make quick selections in Photoshop
Make quick selections in Photoshop

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- [iPad Features](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/ipad.html?promoid=2FDNCKN8&mv=other "iPad Features")
- Features




- [Neural Filters](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/neural-filter.html "Neural Filters")
- [Sky Replacement](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/sky-replacement.html "Sky Replacement")
- [Photoshop brushes](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/photoshop-brushes.html "Photoshop brushes")
- [Content-Aware Fill](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/content-aware-fill.html?promoid=SYBNM1M5&mv=other "Content-Aware Fill")
- [Photo Effects](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/photo-effects.html "Photo Effects")

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User GuideCancel

# Make selections in your composites

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Last updated on Mar 22, 2024

[![Photoshop](/content/dam/help/mnemonics/ps_cc_app_RGB.svg)](https://photoshop.adobe.com/)

[Photoshop](https://photoshop.adobe.com/)

[Open app](https://photoshop.adobe.com/)

01. [Photoshop User Guide](/photoshop/user-guide.html)
02. Introduction to Photoshop
    1. [Dream it. Make it.](https://creativecloud.adobe.com/en/learn/photoshop/web/ps-basics-fundamentals)
    2. [What's new in Photoshop](/photoshop/using/whats-new.html)
    3. [Edit your first photo](https://creativecloud.adobe.com/en/learn/photoshop/web/photo-editor)
    4. [Create documents](/photoshop/using/create-documents.html)
    5. [Photoshop \| Common Questions](/photoshop/faq.html)
    6. [Photoshop system requirements](/photoshop/system-requirements.html)
    7. [Get to know Photoshop](https://creativecloud.adobe.com/en/learn/photoshop/web/ps-basics-fundamentals)
03. Photoshop and other Adobe products and services
    1. [Work with Illustrator artwork in Photoshop](/photoshop/using/photoshop-and-illustrator.html)
    2. [Work with Photoshop files in InDesign](/photoshop/using/photoshop-assets-in-indesign.html)

    3. [Substance 3D Materials for Photoshop](/photoshop/using/substance-3d-materials-for-photoshop.html)
    4. [Use the Capture in-app extension in Photoshop](/photoshop/using/capture-extension-in-libraries-panel.html)
04. Photoshop on the iPad (not available in mainland China)


    01. [Photoshop on the iPad \| Common questions](/photoshop/using/photoshop-ipad-faq.html)
    02. [Get to know the workspace](/photoshop/using/workspace-ipad.html)
    03. [System requirements \| Photoshop on the iPad](/photoshop/system-requirements-ios.html)
    04. [Create, open, and export documents](/photoshop/using/create-open-save-ipad.html)
    05. [Add photos](/photoshop/using/place-photos-ipad.html)
    06. [Work with layers](/photoshop/using/add-manage-edit-layers-ipad.html)
    07. [Draw and paint with brushes](/photoshop/using/photoshop-brushes-ipad.html)
    08. [Make selections and add masks](/photoshop/using/select-mask-on-ipad.html)
    09. [Retouch your composites](/photoshop/using/retouch-photos-ipad.html)
    10. [Work with adjustment layers](/photoshop/using/work-with-adjustment-layers-ipad.html)
    11. [Adjust the tonality of your composite with Curves](/photoshop/using/curves-adjustments-ipad.html)
    12. [Apply transform operations](/photoshop/using/transforming-objects-ipad.html)
    13. [Crop and rotate your composites](/photoshop/using/crop-move-rotate-photos.html)
    14. [Rotate, pan, zoom, and reset the canvas](/photoshop/using/pan-zoom-rotate-ipad.html)
    15. [Work with Type layers](/photoshop/using/add-edit-text-ipad.html)
    16. [Work with Photoshop and Lightroom](/photoshop/using/lightroom-photoshop-ipad.html)
    17. [Get missing fonts in Photoshop on the iPad](/photoshop/kb/text-layer-missing-fonts-ipad.html)
    18. [Japanese Text in Photoshop on the iPad](/photoshop/using/japanese-text-photoshop-ipad.html)
    19. [Manage app settings](/photoshop/using/app-settings-ipad.html)
    20. [Touch shortcuts and gestures](/photoshop/using/touch-gesture-shortcuts.html)
    21. [Keyboard shortcuts](/photoshop/using/keyboard-shortcuts-ios.html)
    22. [Edit your image size](/photoshop/using/edit-image-size-ipad.html)
    23. [Livestream as you create in Photoshop on the iPad](/photoshop/using/livestream-photoshop-to-behance.html)
    24. [Correct imperfections with the Healing Brush](/photoshop/using/retouch-with-healing-brush-photoshop-ipad.html)
    25. [Create brushes in Capture and use them in Photoshop on the iPad](/photoshop/using/use-capture-brushes-in-photoshop-ipad.html)
    26. [Work with Camera Raw files](/photoshop/using/camera-raw-file-support-ipad.html)
    27. [Create and work with Smart Objects](/photoshop/using/smart-objects-ipad.html)
    28. [Adjust exposure in your images with Dodge and Burn](/photoshop/using/dodge-burn-ipad.html)
    29. [Auto adjustment commands in Photoshop on the iPad](/photoshop/using/auto-commands-ipad.html)
    30. [Smudge areas in your images with Photoshop on the iPad](/photoshop/using/smudge-tool-ipad.html)
    31. [Saturate or desaturate your images using Sponge tool](/photoshop/using/sponge-tool-ipad.html)
    32. [Content aware fill for iPad](/photoshop/using/content-aware-fill-ipad.html)
05. Photoshop on the web (not available in mainland China)


    01. [Common questions](/photoshop/using/photoshop-web-faq.html)
    02. [System requirements](/photoshop/system-requirements-web.html)
    03. [Keyboard shortcuts](/photoshop/using/keyboard-shortcuts-web.html)

    04. [Supported file types](/photoshop/using/supported-file-formats-web.html)
    05. [Introduction to the workspace](/photoshop/using/workspace-web.html)
    06. [Open and work with cloud documents](/photoshop/using/create-import-cloud-documents-web.html)
    07. [Generative AI features](/photoshop/using/generative-ai-features-web.html)
    08. [Basic concepts of editing](/photoshop/using/basic-editing-concepts-web.html)
    09. [Quick Actions](/photoshop/using/quick-actions-web.html)

    10. [Work with layers](/photoshop/using/layers-web.html)

    11. [Retouch images and remove imperfections](/photoshop/using/retouch-images-web.html)
    12. [Make quick selections](/photoshop/using/selections-web.html)
    13. [Image improvements with Adjustment Layers](/photoshop/using/adjustments-web.html)
    14. [Add a fill layer](/photoshop/using/add-fill-layer-web.html)
    15. [Move, transform, and crop images](/photoshop/using/position-web.html)
    16. [Draw and paint](/photoshop/using/draw-paint-web.html)
    17. [Draw and edit Shapes](/photoshop/using/draw-and-edit-shapes-web.html)
    18. [Work with Type layers](/photoshop/using/add-edit-text-web.html)
    19. [Work with anyone on the web](/photoshop/using/invite-to-edit-cloud-documents.html#i2e-web)
    20. [Manage app settings](/photoshop/using/manage-app-settings-web.html)
    21. [Generate Image](/photoshop/using/generative-ai-text-to-image-web.html)
    22. [Generate Background](/photoshop/using/generate-background-web.html)
    23. [Reference Image](/photoshop/using/reference-image-web.html)
06. Photoshop (beta) (not available in mainland China)


    1. [Get started with Creative Cloud Beta apps](/x-productkb/global/creative-cloud-beta.html)
    2. [Photoshop (beta) on the desktop](/photoshop/using/photoshop-beta-desktop-app.html)
    3. [Generate background with descriptive text prompts](/photoshop/using/generate-background.html)
07. Generative AI (not available in mainland China)
    1. [Common questions on generative AI in Photoshop](/photoshop/using/generative-ai-faqs-photoshop.html)
    2. [Generative Fill in Photoshop on the desktop](/photoshop/using/generative-fill.html)
    3. [Generate Image with descriptive text prompts](/photoshop/using/generate-image.html)
    4. [Generative Expand in Photoshop on the desktop](/photoshop/using/generative-expand.html)
    5. [Generative Fill in Photoshop on the iPad](/photoshop/using/generative-fill-ipad.html)
    6. [Generative Expand in Photoshop on the iPad](/photoshop/using/generative-expand-ipad.html)
    7. [Generative AI features in Photoshop on the web](/photoshop/using/generative-ai-features-web.html)
08. Content authenticity (not available in mainland China)


    1. [Content credentials in Photoshop](/photoshop/using/content-credentials.html)
    2. [Identity and provenance for NFTs](/photoshop/using/identity-provenance-nfts.html)
    3. [Connect accounts for creative attribution](/photoshop/using/connect-accounts.html)
09. Cloud documents (not available in mainland China)


    1. [Photoshop cloud documents \| Common questions](/photoshop/using/cloud-documents-faq.html)
    2. [Photoshop cloud documents \| Workflow questions](/photoshop/using/cloud-documents-workflow-faqs.html)
    3. [Manage and work with cloud documents in Photoshop](/photoshop/using/manage-cloud-documents-photoshop.html)
    4. [Upgrade cloud storage for Photoshop](/photoshop/using/upgrade-storage-limit.html)
    5. [Unable to create or save a cloud document](/photoshop/kb/unable-to-create-save-cloud-document.html)
    6. [Solve Photoshop cloud document errors](/photoshop/kb/cloud-document-error-troubleshooting.html)
    7. [Collect cloud document sync logs](/photoshop/using/collecting-logs-ipad.html)
    8. [Invite others to edit your cloud documents](/photoshop/using/invite-to-edit-cloud-documents.html)
    9. [Share files and comment in-app](/photoshop/using/share-for-feedback.html)
10. Workspace
    01. [Workspace basics](/photoshop/using/workspace-basics.html)
    02. [Preferences](/photoshop/using/preferences.html)
    03. [Learn faster with the Photoshop Discover Panel](/photoshop/using/photoshop-discover.html)
    04. [Create documents](/photoshop/using/create-documents.html)
    05. [Place files](/photoshop/using/placing-files.html)
    06. [Default keyboard shortcuts](/photoshop/using/default-keyboard-shortcuts.html)
    07. [Customize keyboard shortcuts](/photoshop/using/customizing-keyboard-shortcuts.html)
    08. [Tool galleries](/photoshop/using/tools.html)

    09. [Performance preferences](/photoshop/using/performance-preferences.html)
    10. [Use tools](/photoshop/using/using-tools.html)
    11. [Presets](/photoshop/using/presets.html)
    12. [Grid and guides](/photoshop/using/grid-guides.html)
    13. [Touch gestures](/photoshop/using/touch-gestures.html)
    14. [Use the Touch Bar with Photoshop](/photoshop/using/touchbar.html)
    15. [Touch capabilities and customizable workspaces](/photoshop/using/touch.html)
    16. [Technology previews](/photoshop/using/technology-previews.html)
    17. [Metadata and notes](/photoshop/using/metadata-notes.html)
    18. [Touch capabilities and customizable workspaces](/photoshop/using/touch.html)

    19. [Place Photoshop images in other applications](/photoshop/using/placing-photoshop-images-applications.html)
    20. [Rulers](/photoshop/using/rulers.html)
    21. [Show or hide non-printing Extras](/photoshop/using/show-or-hide-non-printing.html)
    22. [Specify columns for an image](/photoshop/using/specifying-columns-image.html)
    23. [Undo and history](/photoshop/using/undo-history.html)
    24. [Panels and menus](/photoshop/using/panels-menus.html)
    25. [Position elements with snapping](/photoshop/using/positioning-elements-snapping.html)

    26. [Position with the Ruler tool](/photoshop/using/positioning-ruler-tool.html)
11. Web, screen, and app design
    1. Photoshop for design
    2. [Artboards](/photoshop/using/artboards.html)
    3. [Device Preview](/photoshop/using/devicepreview.html)
    4. [Copy CSS from layers](/photoshop/using/copy-css-shape-or-text.html)
    5. [Slice web pages](/photoshop/using/slicing-web-pages.html)
    6. [HTML options for slices](/photoshop/using/html-options-slices.html)
    7. [Modify slice layout](/photoshop/using/modifying-slice-layout.html)
    8. [Work with web graphics](/photoshop/using/web-graphics.html)
    9. [Create web photo galleries](/photoshop/using/creating-web-photo-galleries.html)
12. Image and color basics
    01. [How to resize images](/photoshop/using/resizing-image.html)
    02. [Work with raster and vector images](/photoshop/using/image-essentials.html)
    03. [Image size and resolution](/photoshop/using/image-size-resolution.html)
    04. [Acquire images from cameras and scanners](/photoshop/using/acquiring-images-cameras-scanners.html)
    05. [Create, open, and import images](/photoshop/using/creating-opening-importing-images.html)
    06. [View images](/photoshop/using/viewing-images.html)
    07. [Invalid JPEG Marker error \| Opening images](/photoshop/kb/error-invalid-jpeg-marker-displays.html)
    08. [Viewing multiple images](/photoshop/using/viewing-multiple-images.html)
    09. [Customize color pickers and swatches](/photoshop/using/customizing-color-pickers-swatches.html)
    10. [High dynamic range images](/photoshop/using/high-dynamic-range-images.html)
    11. [Match colors in your image](/photoshop/using/matching-replacing-mixing-colors.html)
    12. [Convert between color modes](/photoshop/using/converting-color-modes.html)
    13. [Color modes](/photoshop/using/color-modes.html)
    14. [Erase parts of an image](/photoshop/using/erasing-parts-image.html)
    15. [Blending modes](/photoshop/using/blending-modes.html)
    16. [Choose colors](/photoshop/using/choosing-colors.html)
    17. [Customize indexed color tables](/photoshop/using/customizing-indexed-color-tables.html)
    18. [Image information](/photoshop/using/image-information.html)
    19. Distort filters are unavailable
    20. [About color](/photoshop/using/color.html)
    21. [Color and monochrome adjustments using channels](/photoshop/using/color-monochrome-adjustments-using-channels.html)
    22. [Choose colors in the Color and Swatches panels](/photoshop/using/choosing-colors-color-swatches-panels.html)
    23. Sample
    24. Color mode or Image mode
    25. Color cast
    26. [Add a conditional mode change to an action](/photoshop/using/adding-conditional-mode-change-action.html)
    27. [Add swatches from HTML CSS and SVG](/photoshop/using/adding-swatches-html-css-svg.html)
    28. [Bit depth and preferences](/photoshop/using/bit-depth.html)
13. Layers
    01. [Layer basics](/photoshop/using/layer-basics.html)
    02. [Nondestructive editing](/photoshop/using/nondestructive-editing.html)
    03. [Create and manage layers and groups](/photoshop/using/create-layers-groups.html)
    04. [Select, group, and link layers](/photoshop/using/selecting-grouping-linking-layers.html)
    05. [Place images into frames](/photoshop/using/place-image-frame-tool.html)
    06. [Layer opacity and blending](/photoshop/using/layer-opacity-blending.html)
    07. [Mask layers](/photoshop/using/masking-layers.html)
    08. [Apply Smart Filters](/photoshop/using/applying-smart-filters.html)
    09. [Layer comps](/photoshop/using/layer-comps.html)
    10. [Move, stack, and lock layers](/photoshop/using/moving-stacking-locking-layers.html)
    11. [Mask layers with vector masks](/photoshop/using/masking-layers-vector-masks.html)
    12. [Manage layers and groups](/photoshop/using/layers.html)
    13. [Layer effects and styles](/photoshop/using/layer-effects-styles.html)
    14. [Edit layer masks](/photoshop/using/editing-layer-masks.html)
    15. [Extract assets](/photoshop/using/extract-layers-image-assets.html)
    16. [Reveal layers with clipping masks](/photoshop/using/revealing-layers-clipping-masks.html)
    17. [Generate image assets from layers](/photoshop/using/generate-assets-layers.html)
    18. [Work with Smart Objects](/photoshop/using/create-smart-objects.html)
    19. [Blending modes](/photoshop/using/blending-modes.html)
    20. [Combine multiple images into a group portrait](/photoshop/using/combining-multiple-images-group-portrait.html)
    21. [Combine images with Auto-Blend Layers](/photoshop/using/combine-images-auto-blend-layers.html)
    22. [Align and distribute layers](/photoshop/using/aligning-layers.html)
    23. [Copy CSS from layers](/photoshop/using/copy-css-shape-or-text.html)
    24. [Load selections from a layer or layer mask's boundaries](/photoshop/using/load-selections-layer-mask-boundaries.html)
    25. [Knockout to reveal content from other layers](/photoshop/using/knockout-reveal-content-layers.html)
14. Selections
    01. [Get started with selections](/photoshop/using/making-selections.html)

    02. [Make selections in your composite](/photoshop/using/making-quick-selections.html)
    03. [Select and Mask workspace](/photoshop/using/select-mask.html)

    04. [Select with the marquee tools](/photoshop/using/selecting-marquee-tools.html)

    05. [Select with the lasso tools](/photoshop/using/selecting-lasso-tools.html)
    06. [Adjust pixel selections](/photoshop/using/adjusting-pixel-selections.html)
    07. [Move, copy, and delete selected pixels](/photoshop/using/moving-copying-deleting-selected-pixels.html)
    08. [Create a temporary quick mask](/photoshop/using/create-temporary-quick-mask.html)
    09. [Select a color range in an image](/photoshop/using/selecting-color-range-image.html)
    10. [Convert between paths and selection borders](/photoshop/using/converting-paths-selection-borders.html)
    11. [Channel basics](/photoshop/using/channel-basics.html)
    12. [Save selections and alpha channel masks](/photoshop/using/saving-selections-alpha-channel-masks.html)

    13. [Select the image areas in focus](/photoshop/using/select-area-focus.html)
    14. [Duplicate, split, and merge channels](/photoshop/using/duplicate-split-merge-channels.html)
    15. [Channel calculations](/photoshop/using/channel-calculations.html)
15. Image adjustments
    01. [Replace object colors](/photoshop/using/replace-colors.html)
    02. [Perspective warp](/photoshop/using/perspective-warp.html)
    03. [Reduce camera shake blurring](/photoshop/using/reduce-camera-shake-induced-blurring.html)
    04. [Healing brush examples](/photoshop/using/healing-examples.html)
    05. [Export color lookup tables](/photoshop/using/export-color-lookup-tables.html)
    06. [Adjust image sharpness and blur](/photoshop/using/adjusting-image-sharpness-blur.html)
    07. [Understand color adjustments](/photoshop/using/color-adjustments.html)
    08. [Apply a Brightness/Contrast adjustment](/photoshop/using/apply-brightness-contrast-adjustment.html)
    09. [Adjust shadow and highlight detail](/photoshop/using/adjust-shadow-highlight-detail.html)
    10. [Levels adjustment](/photoshop/using/levels-adjustment.html)
    11. [Adjust hue and saturation](/photoshop/using/adjusting-hue-saturation.html)
    12. [Adjust vibrance](/photoshop/using/adjust-vibrance.html)
    13. [Adjust color saturation in image areas](/photoshop/using/change-color-saturation-sponge-tool.html)
    14. [Make quick tonal adjustments](/photoshop/using/making-quick-tonal-adjustments.html)
    15. [Apply special color effects to images](/photoshop/using/applying-special-color-effects-images.html)
    16. [Enhance your image with color balance adjustments](/photoshop/using/applying-color-balance-adjustment.html)
    17. [High dynamic range images](/photoshop/using/high-dynamic-range-images.html)
    18. [View histograms and pixel values](/photoshop/using/viewing-histograms-pixel-values.html)
    19. [Match colors in your image](/photoshop/using/matching-replacing-mixing-colors.html)
    20. [Crop and straighten photos](/photoshop/using/crop-straighten-photos.html)
    21. [Convert a color image to black and white](/photoshop/using/convert-color-image-black-white.html)
    22. [Adjustment and fill layers](/photoshop/using/adjustment-fill-layers.html)
    23. [Curves adjustment](/photoshop/using/curves-adjustment.html)
    24. [Blending modes](/photoshop/using/blending-modes.html)
    25. [Target images for press](/photoshop/using/targeting-images-press.html)
    26. [Adjust color and tone with Levels and Curves eyedroppers](/photoshop/using/adjust-color-tone-levels-curves.html)
    27. [Adjust HDR exposure and toning](/photoshop/using/adjusting-hdr-exposure-toning.html)
    28. [Dodge or burn image areas](/photoshop/using/dodge-burn-image-areas.html)
    29. [Make selective color adjustments](/photoshop/using/mix-colors.html)
16. Adobe Camera Raw
    01. [Camera Raw system requirements](/camera-raw/system-requirements.html)
    02. [What's new in Camera Raw](/camera-raw/using/whats-new.html)
    03. [Introduction to Camera Raw](/camera-raw/using/introduction-camera-raw.html)
    04. [Create panoramas](/camera-raw/using/create-panoramas.html)
    05. [Supported lenses](/camera-raw/kb/supported-lenses.html)
    06. [Vignette, grain, and dehaze effects in Camera Raw](/camera-raw/using/vignette-grain-effects-camera-raw.html)
    07. [Default keyboard shortcuts](/camera-raw/using/default-keyboard-shortcuts.html)
    08. [Automatic perspective correction in Camera Raw](/camera-raw/using/automatic-perspective-correction-camera-raw.html)
    09. [Radial Filter in Camera Raw](/camera-raw/using/radial-filters-camera-raw.html)
    10. [Manage Camera Raw settings](/camera-raw/using/camera-raw-settings.html)
    11. [Open, process, and save images in Camera Raw](/camera-raw/using/navigate-open-save-images-camera.html)
    12. [Repair images with the Enhanced Spot Removal tool in Camera Raw](/camera-raw/using/enhanced-spot-removal-tool-camera-raw.html)
    13. [Rotate, crop, and adjust images](/camera-raw/using/rotate-crop-retouch-images-camera.html)
    14. [Adjust color rendering in Camera Raw](/camera-raw/using/adjust-color-rendering-camera-camera.html)
    15. [Process versions in Camera Raw](/camera-raw/using/process-versions.html)
    16. [Make local adjustments in Camera Raw](/camera-raw/using/make-local-adjustments-camera-raw.html)
17. Image repair and restoration
    1. [Remove objects from your photos with Content-Aware Fill](/photoshop/using/content-aware-fill.html)
    2. [Content-Aware Patch and Move](/photoshop/using/content-aware-patch-move.html)
    3. [Retouch and repair photos](/photoshop/using/retouching-repairing-images.html)
    4. [Correct image distortion and noise](/photoshop/using/correcting-image-distortion-noise.html)
    5. [Basic troubleshooting steps to fix most issues](/photoshop/kb/basic-troubleshooting.html)
18. Image enhancement and transformation
    1. [Replace sky in your images](/photoshop/using/replace-sky.html)
    2. [Transform objects](/photoshop/using/transforming-objects.html)
    3. [Adjust crop, rotation, and canvas size](/photoshop/using/adjusting-crop-rotation-canvas.html)
    4. [How to crop and straighten photos](/photoshop/using/crop-straighten-photos.html)
    5. [Create and edit panoramic images](/photoshop/using/create-panoramic-images-photomerge.html)
    6. [Warp images, shapes, and paths](/photoshop/using/warp-images-shapes-paths.html)
    7. [Vanishing Point](/photoshop/using/vanishing-point.html)
    8. [Content-aware scaling](/photoshop/using/content-aware-scaling.html)
    9. [Transform images, shapes, and paths](/photoshop/using/free-transformations-images-shapes-paths.html)
19. Drawing and painting
    01. [Paint symmetrical patterns](/photoshop/using/paint-symmetry.html)
    02. [Draw rectangles and modify stroke options](/photoshop/using/modify-shapes.html)
    03. [About drawing](/photoshop/using/drawing.html)
    04. [Draw and edit shapes](/photoshop/using/drawing-shapes.html)
    05. [Painting tools](/photoshop/using/painting-tools.html)
    06. [Create and modify brushes](/photoshop/using/creating-modifying-brushes.html)
    07. [Blending modes](/photoshop/using/blending-modes.html)
    08. [Add color to paths](/photoshop/using/adding-color-paths.html)
    09. [Edit paths](/photoshop/using/editing-paths.html)
    10. [Paint with the Mixer Brush](/photoshop/using/painting-mixer-brush.html)
    11. [Brush presets](/photoshop/using/brush-presets.html)
    12. [Gradients](/photoshop/using/gradients.html)
    13. [Gradient interpolation](/photoshop/using/gradient-interpolation.html)
    14. [Fill and stroke selections, layers, and paths](/photoshop/using/filling-stroking-selections-layers-paths.html)
    15. [Draw with the Pen tools](/photoshop/using/drawing-pen-tools.html)
    16. [Create patterns](/photoshop/using/creating-patterns.html)
    17. [Generate a pattern using the Pattern Maker](/photoshop/using/generate-pattern-using-pattern-maker.html)
    18. [Manage paths](/photoshop/using/paths.html)
    19. [Manage pattern libraries and presets](/photoshop/using/patterns-libraries-presets.html)
    20. [Draw or paint with a graphics tablet](/photoshop/using/drawing-painting-graphics-tablet.html)
    21. [Create textured brushes](/photoshop/using/creating-textured-brushes.html)
    22. [Add dynamic elements to brushes](/photoshop/using/adding-dynamic-elements-brushes.html)
    23. Gradient
    24. [Paint stylized strokes with the Art History Brush](/photoshop/using/painting-stylized-strokes-art-history.html)
    25. [Paint with a pattern](/photoshop/using/painting-pattern.html)
    26. [Sync presets on multiple devices](/photoshop/using/sync-presets.html)
    27. [Migrate presets, actions, and settings](/photoshop/using/preset-migration.html)
20. Text
    01. [Add and edit the text](/photoshop/using/add-edit-text.html)

    02. [Unified Text Engine](/photoshop/using/unified-text-engine.html)
    03. [Work with OpenType SVG fonts](/photoshop/using/svg-fonts.html)
    04. [Format characters](/photoshop/using/formatting-characters.html)
    05. [Format paragraphs](/photoshop/using/formatting-paragraphs.html)
    06. [How to create type effects](/photoshop/using/creating-type-effects.html)
    07. [Edit text](/photoshop/using/editing-text.html)
    08. [Line and character spacing](/photoshop/using/line-character-spacing.html)
    09. [Arabic and Hebrew type](/photoshop/using/arabic-hebrew.html)
    10. [Fonts](/photoshop/using/fonts.html)
    11. [Troubleshoot fonts](/photoshop/kb/troubleshoot-fonts-photoshop.html)
    12. [Asian type](/photoshop/using/asian-type.html)
    13. [Create type](/photoshop/using/creating-type.html)
21. Filters and effects
    01. [Use the Blur Gallery](/photoshop/using/blur-gallery.html)

    02. [Filter basics](/photoshop/using/filter-basics.html)
    03. [Filter effects reference](/photoshop/using/filter-effects-reference.html)
    04. [Add Lighting Effects](/photoshop/using/add-lighting-effects1.html)
    05. [Use the Adaptive Wide Angle filter](/photoshop/using/adaptive-wide-angle-filter.html)
    06. [Use the Oil Paint filter](/photoshop/using/oil-paint-filter.html)
    07. [Use the Liquify filter](/photoshop/using/liquify-filter.html)
    08. [Layer effects and styles](/photoshop/using/layer-effects-styles.html)
    09. [Apply specific filters](/photoshop/using/applying-specific-filters.html)
    10. [Smudge image areas](/photoshop/using/smudge-image-areas.html)
22. Saving and exporting
    1. [Save your files in Photoshop](/photoshop/using/saving-images.html)

    2. [Export your files in Photoshop](/photoshop/using/export-artboards-layers.html)
    3. [Supported file formats](/photoshop/using/file-formats.html)

    4. [Save files in graphics formats](/photoshop/using/saving-files-graphics-formats.html)
    5. [Move designs between Photoshop and Illustrator](/photoshop/using/move-designs-between-photoshop-illustrator.html)
    6. [Save and export video and animations](/photoshop/using/saving-exporting-video-animations.html)
    7. [Save PDF files](/photoshop/using/saving-pdf-files.html)
    8. [Digimarc copyright protection](/photoshop/using/digimarc-copyright-protection.html)
23. Color Management
    1. [Understanding color management](/photoshop/using/understanding-color-management.html)
    2. [Keeping colors consistent](/photoshop/using/keeping-colors-consistent.html)
    3. [Color settings](/photoshop/using/color-settings.html)
    4. [Duotones](/photoshop/using/duotones.html)
    5. [Work with color profiles](/photoshop/using/working-with-color-profiles.html)
    6. [Color-managing documents for online viewing](/photoshop/using/color-managing-documents-online-viewing.html)
    7. [Color-managing documents when printing](/photoshop/using/color-managing-documents--printing.html)
    8. [Color-managing imported images](/photoshop/using/color-managing-imported-images.html)
    9. [Proofing colors](/photoshop/using/proofing-colors.html)
24. Web, screen, and app design
    1. Photoshop for design
    2. [Artboards](/photoshop/using/artboards.html)
    3. [Device Preview](/photoshop/using/devicepreview.html)
    4. [Copy CSS from layers](/photoshop/using/copy-css-shape-or-text.html)
    5. [Slice web pages](/photoshop/using/slicing-web-pages.html)
    6. [HTML options for slices](/photoshop/using/html-options-slices.html)
    7. [Modify slice layout](/photoshop/using/modifying-slice-layout.html)
    8. [Work with web graphics](/photoshop/using/web-graphics.html)
    9. [Create web photo galleries](/photoshop/using/creating-web-photo-galleries.html)
25. Video and animation
    01. [Video editing in Photoshop](/photoshop/using/new-video-features-photoshop-cs6.html)
    02. [Edit video and animation layers](/photoshop/using/editing-video-animation-layers-photoshop.html)
    03. [Video and animation overview](/photoshop/using/video-animation-overview.html)
    04. [Preview video and animations](/photoshop/using/previewing-video-animations.html)
    05. [Paint frames in video layers](/photoshop/using/painting-frames-video-layers.html)
    06. [Import video files and image sequences](/photoshop/using/importing-video-files-image-sequences.html)
    07. [Create frame animations](/photoshop/using/creating-frame-animations.html)
    08. [Creative Cloud 3D Animation (Preview)](/photoshop/using/cc-3d-animation.html)
    09. [Create timeline animations](/photoshop/using/creating-timeline-animations.html)
    10. [Create images for video](/photoshop/using/creating-images-video.html)
26. Printing
    1. [Print 3D objects](/photoshop/using/print-3d-objects.html)
    2. [Print from Photoshop](/photoshop/using/printing-photoshop1.html)
    3. [Print with color management](/photoshop/using/printing-color-management-photoshop1.html)
    4. [Contact Sheets and PDF Presentations](/photoshop/using/contact-sheet-pdf-presentation-cs6.html)
    5. [Print photos in a picture package layout](/photoshop/using/print-photos-picture-package-layout.html)
    6. [Print spot colors](/photoshop/using/printing-spot-colors.html)
    7. [Print images to a commercial printing press](/photoshop/using/printing-images-commercial-printing-press.html)
    8. [Improve color prints from Photoshop](/photoshop/kb/preparing-print-photoshop.html)
    9. [Troubleshoot printing problems \| Photoshop](/photoshop/kb/troubleshoot-printing-problems.html)
27. Automation
    01. [Creating actions](/photoshop/using/creating-actions.html)
    02. [Create data-driven graphics](/photoshop/using/creating-data-driven-graphics.html)
    03. [Scripting](/photoshop/using/scripting.html)
    04. [Process a batch of files](/photoshop/using/processing-batch-files.html)
    05. [Play and manage actions](/photoshop/using/playing-actions.html)
    06. [Add conditional actions](/photoshop/using/conditional-actions-creative-cloud.html)
    07. [About actions and the Actions panel](/photoshop/using/actions-actions-panel.html)
    08. [Record tools in actions](/photoshop/using/recording-tools-actions-cs6.html)
    09. [Add a conditional mode change to an action](/photoshop/using/adding-conditional-mode-change-action.html)
    10. [Photoshop UI toolkit for plug-ins and scripts](/photoshop/using/ScriptUI.html)
28. Troubleshooting
    01. [Fixed issues](/photoshop/kb/fixed-issues.html)
    02. [Known issues](/photoshop/kb/known-issues.html)
    03. [Optimize Photoshop performance](/photoshop/kb/optimize-photoshop-cc-performance.html)
    04. [Basic troubleshooting](/photoshop/kb/basic-troubleshooting.html)
    05. [Troubleshoot crash or freeze](/photoshop/kb/troubleshoot-crash-or-freeze.html)
    06. [Troubleshoot program errors](/photoshop/kb/program-error-opening-psd.html)
    07. [Troubleshoot scratch disk full errors](/photoshop/kb/troubleshoot-scratch-disk-is-full.html)
    08. [Troubleshoot GPU and graphics driver issues](/photoshop/kb/troubleshoot-gpu-graphics-card.html)

    09. [Find missing tools](/photoshop/kb/bringing-back-tools.html)
    10. [Photoshop 3D \| Common questions around discontinued features](/photoshop/kb/3d-faq.html)

Use the Object Selection tool, Select Subject, Quick Selection, or Magic Wand tools to make selections in Photoshop.

![Adobe Photoshop deeplink](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMDAiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxMDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMDAiIGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iMCIgLz48L3N2Zz4=)

![Adobe Photoshop deeplink](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMDAiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxMDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMDAiIGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iMCIgLz48L3N2Zz4=)

**Try it in the app**

Follow along with a sample file to learn how to make quick selections using the Select and Mask workspace.

[Open Photoshop](https://creativecloud.adobe.com/campaign/photoshop?workflow=launch&id=Ps-HelpX-ConEff_202305_making-quick-selections&min-version=23.4&uri=adbps%3A%2F%2Fapp%2Fv1%3Fconsumer.name%3DHelpX%26exp.campaign_id%3DPs-HelpX-ConEff_202305_making-quick-selections%26source.name%3DPHSP%26source.version%3D23.4%26content.type%3DcmAppFeatures%26command_id%3D1115%26sampleFile%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fcc-cdn.adobe.com%252Fcontent%252Fdiscover-panel%252FPHXS%252Fassets%252Fquick-actions%252FenhanceImageTalent%252Fdeeplink-assets%252FEnhanceImageSample.psdt%26headless%3Dtrue%26action%3DLearnAndSearch%26env.com.name%3DUnified-Panel%26owner%3DE2E%2520Enablement)

_Topics in this article:_

- [Object Selection tool](/photoshop/using/making-quick-selections.html#object-selection)
- [Select Subject action](/photoshop/using/making-quick-selections.html#select-subject)

- [Quick Selection tool](/photoshop/using/making-quick-selections.html#quick-selection-tool)
- [Magic Wand tool](/photoshop/using/making-quick-selections.html#magic-wand)

With [selections](/photoshop/using/making-selections.html), define an area that you can further edit to enhance your images and composites. You can easily use any of the various selection tools in Photoshop to quickly make a selection.

![Auto-select an object an hover](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjgwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjQwMCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyODAiIGhlaWdodD0iNDAwIiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)

![Auto-select an object an hover](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjgwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjQwMCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyODAiIGhlaWdodD0iNDAwIiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)

## Object Selection tool

**_Updated in Photoshop 24.0 (October 2022 release)_**

The Object Selection tool simplifies the process of selecting an object or region in your image **—** people, cars, pets, sky, water, buildings, mountains, and more **.** You can simply draw a rectangle or lasso around an object or region or let the Object Selection tool automatically detect and select an object or region within the image. Selections made with the Object Selection tool are now more precise and preserve details on the edges of the selection, which means you spend less time getting those perfect selections.

![Object selection tool and Select and Mask workspace](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjM4NSI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMzg1IiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)

![Object selection tool and Select and Mask workspace](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjM4NSI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMzg1IiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)

You can access the Object Selection () tool at the following locations:

- From the main application toolbar in Photoshop
- From the toolbar in the [Select And Mask workspace](/photoshop/using/select-mask.html)

_Watch the short video below to learn how to use the Object Selection tool in Photoshop._

_Read the full article to understand the step details._

To select objects or regions in an image using the Object Selection tool, follow these steps:

1. **Access the Object Selection tool**



Select the Object Selection tool from the toolbar.









Note:



Not seeing the Object Selection tool in your toolbar? See [Tools missing from the toolbar](/photoshop/kb/bringing-back-tools.html).

2. **Make a selection with the Object Selection tool**











In the Object Selections Options bar, ensure the Object Finder is enabled. Once enabled, you'll see a spinning refresh icon beside the Object Finder option. Hover over and select the desired object or region in your image. By default, the Object Finder is turned on.



If you don't want to use the automatic selection, turn off the Object Finder in the Options bar, choose a selection Mode: Rectangle or Lasso, and drag along to make your selection.













![Object Selection tool options bar](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjI2NyI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjY3IiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)















![Object Selection tool options bar](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjI2NyI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjY3IiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)













- Rectangle: Drag the pointer to define a rectangular region around the object or region.
- Lasso: Draw a rough lasso outside the object's boundary or region.

3. **Subtract from or add to the selection**











In the options bar, click one of the selection options: New, Add To, Subtract From, or Intersect With the selection. New is the default option if nothing is selected. After making the initial selection, the option changes automatically to Add To



**Add to the selection:** Hold the Shift key or select Add To Selection in the options bar, then hover over/draw a new rectangle or a lasso around the missing region. Repeat this process for all the missing regions you want to add to the selection.



**Subtract from the selection:** There are two options to subtract from the selection:



- **Use the Subtract From Selection option in the Options bar:** Hold the Option (Mac)/ Alt (Win) key or select Subtract From Selection in the options bar, then hover over/draw a rectangle or a lasso around the boundary of the region you want to subtract from the selection.
- **Enable Object Subtract from the additional options** (gear icon in the options bar) **:** Object Subtract is especially useful when removing the background regions inside the current object selection. You can think of the Object Subtract option as equivalent to Object Selection inverted.

4. **Object selection options**



Sample All Layers: Creates a selection based on all layers instead of just the currently selected layer.



**Hard Edge**: Enables hard edges on the selection boundary.

5. **Further refine the selection edge in the Select And Mask workspace**

























![Feedback dialog for object selection](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSI2NDAiIGhlaWdodD0iODA0Ij48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iNjQwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjgwNCIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)















![Feedback dialog for object selection](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSI2NDAiIGhlaWdodD0iODA0Ij48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iNjQwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjgwNCIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)

























To further adjust the selection boundary or view the selection against different backgrounds or as a mask, click [Select And Mask](/photoshop/using/select-mask.html) in the options bar.



Also, make use of the Selection Feedback dialog to share details about the selection achieved using the Object Selection tool and help us improve.


## Selection improvements

_Introduced in Photoshop 24.0 (October 2022 release)_

Select elements like the sky, water, natural ground, plants, or architecture in one click using the powerful Object Selection Tool.

Refine your selection in the Select and Mask workspace or use the improved auto-detection feature to perform other specific adjustments.

Use Object Selection Tool in the existing object detection/selection tool in the left panel and then the Select and Mask workspace to make better and faster selections.

![Selection improvements in Photoshop](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAxIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUyNiI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyMDEiIGhlaWdodD0iNTI2IiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)

![Selection improvements in Photoshop](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAxIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUyNiI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyMDEiIGhlaWdodD0iNTI2IiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)

Follow these steps if you want to select, say, the sky with a single click:

1. Select the Object Selection tool in the Tools panel.

2. Select the Object Finder checkbox. Change the overlay color to a color different from the sky color. Make your color selection from the Overlay Options.

3. Hover over the sky in your image to see the overlay. This is possible when the Object Selection tool and Object Finder are enabled. You can now make additional refinements to your sky selection.

4. Create Color Fill adjustment layers using the Object Selection Tool sky selection.


## **Update graphics driver on Windows**

If you encounter crashes or other instability when using the Object Selection tool on Windows and you have an NVIDIA graphics card, you may need to update your NVidia Windows Display drivers. Windows update won't always give you the latest drivers. You must go directly to your card manufacturer’s website to check for driver updates:

- [NVIDIA drivers](http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/)
- [AMD drivers](http://support.amd.com/en-us/download)
- [Intel drivers](https://downloadcenter.intel.com/)

Be aware that notebook drivers sometimes have a different name than similar desktop drivers. Some video adapter manufacturers have other software that requires updating in addition to the video driver. Read the update instructions carefully, and contact the video adapter manufacturer directly if you don't understand the instructions.

To learn how to manually update or reinstall your graphics driver for Windows 10, see [Update drivers in Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028443/windows-10-update-drivers).

## **Change Photoshop preference to improve selection stability**

_Introduced in Photoshop 24.0 (October 2022 release)_

You can use a new preference setting to improve the stability of the Object Selection tool, Select Subject, and Sky Replacement for Windows users with an NVidia GPU.

Some Photoshop desktop users on Windows were experiencing slow performance, crashing, or unexpected selections due to NVidia Windows Display drivers. We have made changes to improve the app performance for Windows users who were facing such issues. Additionally, we have introduced a preference to help improve selection stability.

![Change Photoshop preference to improve selection stability](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjM4OCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMzg4IiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)Photoshop Preferences > Image Process > Selections Process from Faster to More Stable.

![Change Photoshop preference to improve selection stability](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjM4OCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMzg4IiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)Photoshop Preferences > Image Process > Selections Process from Faster to More Stable.

## One-click Delete and Fill

_Introduced in Photoshop 24.0 (October 2022 release)_

Use the one-click Delete and Fill Selection feature to remove unwanted objects from your images or to retouch images with complex backgrounds.

Simply use the Object Selection Tool to make your selection and use the following keyboard shortcut to remove it:

- macOS: Shift + Delete
- Windows: Shift + Backspace

But if you're working with the Lasso Tool or any other Photoshop tool, right-click the mouse to access the contextual menu and select Delete and Fill Selection to delete unwanted objects from your image.

![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIzODAiIGhlaWdodD0iNzE3Ij48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMzgwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjcxNyIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)

![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIzODAiIGhlaWdodD0iNzE3Ij48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMzgwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjcxNyIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)

## Make improved hair selections

With Photoshop 23.4 (June 2022) release, the Object Selection tool has been enhanced for making better hair selections in human portrait images. Object Selection tool can now recognize portraits and apply hair refinement to get a mask as good as that delivered by Select Subject.

Simply open your portrait image and select the Object Selection tool from the toolbar and make your selection by either clicking on the portrait or by creating a lasso or marquee around the person and obtain the mask with all the hair details captured.

![Preserve hair details with the Object Selection tool enhancement ](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjYwMCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iNjAwIiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)

![Preserve hair details with the Object Selection tool enhancement ](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjYwMCI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjEyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iNjAwIiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)

After your selection is done using the Object Selection tool, you can further improve the mask results with the Refine Hair option in the Select And Mask workspace in the options bar for images other than human portraits like pets/animals/fur more naturally.

## Mask all objects in a layer in a single click

Use this huge timesaver that leverages the power of Adobe Sensei to generate masks for all objects in the desired layer in a single click.

Choose Layer > Mask All Objects and watch Photoshop easily generate masks for all the objects detected within your layer with just a single click.

![Mask all objects in a layer](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxODY2IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjE0MjIiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxODY2IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjE0MjIiIGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iMCIgLz48L3N2Zz4=)Choose "Mask All Objects"

![Mask all objects in a layer](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxODY2IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjE0MjIiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxODY2IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjE0MjIiIGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iMCIgLz48L3N2Zz4=)Choose "Mask All Objects"

![masked object layer created](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxNDMyIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjcwNyI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjE0MzIiIGhlaWdodD0iNzA3IiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)Layer mask created for all objects detected in your layer in a single click.

![masked object layer created](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxNDMyIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjcwNyI+PHJlY3Qgd2lkdGg9IjE0MzIiIGhlaWdodD0iNzA3IiBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9IjAiIC8+PC9zdmc+)Layer mask created for all objects detected in your layer in a single click.

## Select Subject

_Optimized for better portrait selections in Photoshop 21.2 (June 2020 release)_

Beginning with Photoshop 21.2 (June 2020 release), Select Subject is now content-aware and applies new custom algorithms when it detects a person is in the image. When creating a selection of portrait images, treatment around the hair area has been vastly improved to create a detailed selection of hair. To temporarily turn off the content awareness, you can press and hold the Shift key while performing Select Subject.

![Select Subject in Photoshop](/content/dam/help/en/photoshop/using/making-quick-selections/jcr_content/main-pars/image_460981195/PS-Whats-new-June-2020-Select-subject.gif)

![Select Subject in Photoshop](/content/dam/help/en/photoshop/using/making-quick-selections/jcr_content/main-pars/image_460981195/PS-Whats-new-June-2020-Select-subject.gif)

The Select Subject () command lets you select the most prominent subject in an image in a single click. Powered by advanced machine learning technology, Select Subject is trained to identify a variety of objects in an image—people, animals, vehicles, toys, and more.

1. **Select subjects automatically**













Select Subject automatically selects the prominent subjects in your image. To access Select Subject, do one of the following:



- While editing an image, choose Select > Subject.
- While using the Object Selection, Quick Selection, or Magic Wand tools, click Select Subject in the options bar.
- While using the Object  Selection or Quick Selection tools in the [Select & Mask workspace](/photoshop/using/select-mask.html#select_subject), click Select Subject in the options bar.


2. **Add to or subtract from the selection**



Use any of the Selection tools with their Add to selection and Subtract from selection options to clean up the initial selection, if necessary. See [Adjust selections manually](/photoshop/using/adjusting-pixel-selections.html#adjust_selections_manually).

3. **Fine-tune the selection in the Select and Mask workspace**



Choose Select > Select and Mask to open the image in the Select and Mask workspace. Use the tools and sliders in the workspace to clean up the selection further.



See [Select and Mask workspace](/photoshop/using/select-mask.html).


## Select subject cloud service

Make improved selections and get high-quality images with cloud processing in Select Subject.

Simply navigate to the Image Processing section in the Preferences dialog box and toggle between the Cloud mode or Device mode to get your desired results.

![Navigate to the Select Subject cloud service in Photoshop](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSI0MDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMzkwIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iNDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjM5MCIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)Navigate to the Select Subject cloud service

![Navigate to the Select Subject cloud service in Photoshop](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSI0MDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMzkwIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iNDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjM5MCIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)Navigate to the Select Subject cloud service

![Choose from Device or Cloud for Select Subject Processing in Photoshop](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSI5MDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iOTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMCIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)Choose from Device or Cloud for Select Subject Processing

![Choose from Device or Cloud for Select Subject Processing in Photoshop](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSI5MDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAwIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iOTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMCIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)Choose from Device or Cloud for Select Subject Processing

![Choose from Device or Cloud from the Select & Mask workspace in Photoshop](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIyNzAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjEzIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMjcwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjIxMyIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)

![Choose from Device or Cloud from the Select & Mask workspace in Photoshop](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIyNzAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjEzIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMjcwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjIxMyIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)

You can also make your selection from within the Select & Mask workspace.

## How is the Object Selection tool different from the Select Subject command?

The Object Selection tool is useful when you only need to select one of the objects or part of an object within an image that contains multiple objects. While the Select Subject command is designed to select all the main subjects in the image.

To learn more about the Select Subject command, read the next topic described in this article below.

## Quick Selection tool

You
can use the Quick Selection tool ![](/content/dam/help/icons/quick_select_tool.png) to
quickly "paint" a selection using an adjustable round brush tip.
As you drag, the selection expands outward and automatically finds
and follows defined edges in the image.

1. Select the Quick Selection tool  ![](/content/dam/help/icons/quick_select_tool.png). (If the tool isn't visible, hold down the Magic Wand tool  ![](/content/dam/help/icons/P_SimilarSelect_Lg_N.png).)

2. In the options bar, click one of the selection options: New, Add To, or Subtract From.











New is the default option if nothing is selected. After making the initial selection, the option changes automatically to Add To.

3. To change the brush tip size, click the Brush pop-up
menu in the options bar, and type in a pixel size or drag the slider.
Use the Size pop‑up menu options to make the brush tip size sensitive
to pen pressure or a stylus wheel.








Note:



When creating a selection, press the right
bracket (\]) to increase the Quick Selection tool brush tip size;
press the left bracket (\[) to decrease the brush tip size.

4. Choose Quick Selection options:



Sample All Layers: Creates a selection based on all layers instead of just the currently selected layer.



Enhance Edge: Reduces roughness and blockiness in the selection boundary. Enhance Edge automatically flows the selection further toward image edges and applies some of the edge refinement you can apply manually in the [Select and Mask workspace](/photoshop/using/select-mask.html).

5. Paint inside the part of the image you want to select. The selection grows as you paint. If updating is slow, continue to drag to allow time to complete work on the selection. As you paint near the edges of a shape, the selection area extends to follow the contours of the shape edge.















![Photoshop Paint with the Quick Selection tool](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIzNzQiIGhlaWdodD0iMjIyIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMzc0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjIyMiIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)

Painting with the Quick Selection tool to extend the selection













![Photoshop Paint with the Quick Selection tool](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIzNzQiIGhlaWdodD0iMjIyIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMzc0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjIyMiIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwIiAvPjwvc3ZnPg==)

Painting with the Quick Selection tool to extend the selection











- To subtract from a selection, click the Subtract From option in the options bar, then drag over the existing selection.

- To temporarily switch between add and subtract modes, hold down the Alt (Win) or Option (Mac) key.

- To change the tool cursor, choose Edit > Preferences > Cursors > Painting Cursors (Win) or Photoshop > Preferences > Cursors > Painting Cursors (Mac). Normal Brush Tip displays the standard Quick Selection cursor with a plus or minus sign to show the selection mode.

Note:

If you stop dragging and then click
or drag in a nearby area, the selection will grow to include the
new area.

6. Click [Select and Mask](/photoshop/using/select-mask.html) to further adjust the selection boundary.


## Magic Wand tool

The
Magic Wand tool lets you select a consistently colored area (for
example, a red flower) without having to trace its outline. You
specify the selected color range, or _tolerance_, relative
to the original color you click.

Note:

You cannot
use the Magic Wand tool on an image in Bitmap mode or on 32‑bits-per-channel
images.

1. Select the Magic Wand tool  ![](/content/dam/help/icons/P_SimilarSelect_Lg_N.png). (If
the tool isn't visible, access it by holding down the Quick Selection
tool  ![](/content/dam/help/icons/quick_select_tool.png).)


2. Specify one of the selection options in the
options bar. The Magic Wand tool's pointer changes depending on
which option is selected.












![Photoshop Selection options](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjYiIGhlaWdodD0iODAiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxMjYiIGhlaWdodD0iODAiIGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iMCIgLz48L3N2Zz4=)

Selection options



**A.** New **B.** Add To **C.** Subtract
From **D.** Intersect With










![Photoshop Selection options](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIxMjYiIGhlaWdodD0iODAiPjxyZWN0IHdpZHRoPSIxMjYiIGhlaWdodD0iODAiIGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iMCIgLz48L3N2Zz4=)

Selection options

3. In the options bar, specify any of the following:



Tolerance: Determines the color range of selected pixels. Enter a value in pixels, ranging from 0 to 255. A low value selects the few colors very similar to the pixel you click. A higher value selects a broader range of colors.



Anti-aliased: Creates a smoother-edged selection.



Contiguous: Selects only adjacent areas using the same colors. Otherwise, all pixels in the entire image using the same colors are selected.



Sample All Layers: Selects colors using data from all the visible layers. Otherwise, the Magic Wand tool selects colors from the active layer only.

4. In the image, click the color you want to select. If
Contiguous is selected, all adjacent pixels within the tolerance
range are selected. Otherwise, all pixels in the tolerance range
are selected.


5. Click [Select and Mask](/photoshop/using/select-mask.html) to further adjust the selection boundary or view the selection against different backgrounds or as a mask.


### More like this

- [Quick Tips: How to select objects in Photoshop the easy way](https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/quick-tips-how-to-select-objects-in-photoshop-the-easy-way/td-p/13397285)
- [Make selections](/photoshop/using/making-selections.html)
- [Selection tools gallery](/photoshop/using/tools.html#selection_tools_gallery)
- [Troubleshoot crash or freeze \| Photoshop](/photoshop/kb/troubleshoot-crash-or-freeze.html)

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