Photoshop offers a variety of selection tools. In Photoshop, the term selection refers to the selection of specific pixels in the image.

Unlike many other graphic software, Photoshop does not deal with multiple objects, only one two-dimensional bitmaps.

Magic Wand

The magic wand tool (W) is a long time favorite for many Photoshop users. It works by evaluating the particular pixel the wand chooses, and then additionally selecting all pixels of similar color, according to these three main controls:

Anti-Alias determines the edge of your selection. Anti-aliasing offers a softer, feathered edge. Without anti-alias on, the edge of any selection will abruptly (but precisely) stop.

Tolerance determines the how much color difference will be accepted between pixels when the magic wand is used.

Contiguous refers to adjacent pixels to the pixel originally selected. When this setting is off, pixels need not be touching each other to be selected. In other words – separate areas of the image within the given tolerance, will also be selected.

Quick Selection Tool with Refine Edge

The quick selection tools works differently from the magic wand tool by evaluating contrasting edges of an image, not colors.

Quick Selection Tool uses a brush to select parts of the image. The brush diameter can be changed according to the image, then paint with simple strokes across the area to be selected.

Alone, the quick selection tool does not do a very graceful job. But in addition to using the Refine Edge Feature even intricate areas can be effectively selected.

Marquee Selection Tools

The Marquee Selection tools (M) in Photoshop offer geometric ways to select parts of a canvas. Additionally irregular shapes can be selected with the Lasso Tool and its counterparts the Polygonal Lasso Tool and the Magnetic Lasso Tool.

Making Selections with Path Tool

Additional Selection Tools and Options

Regardless of how you select any portion of pixels on a canvas, there are several additional options available to increase the precision or alter a current selection.