Adobe Photoshop CS3

Using the Quick Selection Tool

The Quick Selection tool uses a brush tip to select parts of images. This powerful tool is useful for selecting the parts of an image which require great precision to reach.

Quick Selection Tool example
From this NASA image, you can see how precise your selecting can be with the Quick Selection tool.

Selecting the Image
Adding & Subtracting Content

Selecting the Image

As you drag the brush across the image, the Quick Selection tool presumes the content of your selection by adding parts of the image which have similar colors. The edges of the selection are created by excluding parts with contrasting color. These rules are amended when the brush passes over contrasting colors.

If the Toolbox does not appear, from the Window menu, select Tools
The Toolbox appears.
On the Toolbox, click QUICK SELECTION TOOL
OR
If the QUICK SELECTION TOOL does not appear, on the Toolbox, right click MAGIC WAND TOOL» select Quick Selection Tool
To change the size of the Quick Selection brush,
Press [ [ ] or [ ] ]
OR
1. From the Objects toolbar, click thenext to BRUSHSIZE
2. In the Diameter section, move the slider to the desired brush size
  NOTE:The brush size is measured in pixels.
Click and drag the mouse to make your desired selection
As you drag the mouse, the tool presumes the edges of your selection based on nearby contrasts of color.

Adding & Subtracting Content

Once you have made a selection, you can use the Quick Selection tool to add or remove content based on nearby contrasts of color.

Within your image, make a selection
NOTES:
Your image must be selected in some way before adding or subtracting from that selection.
The selection does not need to be selected with the Quick Selection tool; any selecting tool will work.
On the Toolbox, click QUICK SELECTION TOOL
OR
If the QUICK SELECTION TOOL does not appear, in the Toolbox, right click MAGIC WAND TOOL» select Quick Selection Tool
To add content to your selection,
1. From the Objects toolbar, click ADD TO SELECTION
2. On the image, click and drag the mouse
  The area is added to your initial selection.
To subtract content from your selection,
1. From the Objects toolbar, click SUBTRACT FROM SELECTION
2. On your selection, click and drag the mouse
  The area is removed from your selection.