Using Lasso Tools to select an area in a photographAdobe Photoshop CS3 Tutorial

To begin, make a new file…

or open an existing image.

To select an area use a lasso tool…

By right clicking on the lower right hand corner of the lasso icon 3 types of lassos are available:

Lasso, Polygonal Lasso and Magnetic Lasso

Why choose the Lasso?

Pros• Areas can be selected with

extreme precision and in great detail.

• Abstract/organic forms can be created.

Cons• An extremely steady hand is

required!• This tool/technique

requires a lot of practice!

Select the Lasso Tool…

Begin tracing the area you want to select by left clicking at a start point and holding down as you trace along the edge of the area you want to select.(Treat it is as if you were tracing the area manually with a pencil.)

A small open circle will appear near the lasso, as you approach the starting point. When the circle appears, click and the lasso is complete.

The selected area will be surrounded by a moving dashed line.

Why choose the Polygonal Lasso?

Pros• By clicking in small

increments as you lasso, curved lines can be traced successfully.

• There is no need for fluid accuracy as the regular lasso requires.

Cons• Sometimes the lasso

attempts to close itself, if you unintentionally get too close to the starting point.

• Selections can often have jagged edges, if care is not taken in setting points close together while tracing selections.

Select the Polygonal Lasso…

To begin at a starting point left click.Begin tracing the area you want to select,

pausing along the way in small increments and left clicking to set the point.

A small open circle will appear near the lasso, as you approach the starting point. When the circle appears, click and the lasso is complete.

The selected area will be surrounded by a moving dashed line.

Why choose the Magnetic Lasso?

Pros• When attempting to trace

simplified shapes the magnetic points can be trusted to set themselves fairly accurately.

• It can save a lot of time when selecting.

Cons• The magnetic pull often

strays from the perimeter that you are trying to select.

• It can be extremely difficult to use in areas where values/colors are blended or blurred together.

Select the Magnetic Lasso tool…

To begin at a starting point left click.Begin tracing the area you want to select SLOWLY,

pausing along the way in small increments allowing the point to magnetically set itself.

You can also set the magnetic points yourself by left clicking ,as you pause along the way in small increments.

A small open circle will appear near the lasso, as you approach the starting point. When the circle appears, click and the lasso is complete.

The selected area will be surrounded by a moving dashed line.

Once selected, an area can be moved…

cut out…

copied…

or adjusted in a variety of ways.

Areas can be deselected…

or the area surrounding your selection can be selected instead.

BONUS Section…

Using the horizontal toolbar under the primary toolbar,

you can…

…choose to make a new selection,

add to your current selection,

subtract from your selection,

or select an area that intersects with your multiple selections.

You can also soften the edges of your selection,

or refine the edges of your selection.

Image Property of:M. Dornbach Photography