Here are some examples using the different Selection Tools on an image

This was done using the selection tools and shift key/control key. These tools can be used to make all kinds of photo edge effects, buttons or just fun shapes.

 

The freehand tools are best used on complicated images or very busy backgrounds. I used the combination of freehand, smart edge and point to point to cut the dog out with. You just need to remember the real secret to doing this kind of stuff is patience and the shift-key/control-key.

Here are some notes about the 3 tools that make up the freehand selection tools

 

Freehand - You must keep the left mouse button depressed in order to continue a selection. If you don't the ends will close and you will get a straight marquee line from the first point to the last point. You can continue the selection by holding down the shift key and picking up where you left off

Smart Edge - Is great when you want to select the border between 2 contrasting colors. It is however not very good if the colors are close.
Point to Point - is really my personal favorite as I've found that you can enlarge the image and work in small steps and get really precise selections. It is also very good for making a quick selection around an irregular shaped object.

The wand works great if you have large areas that are similar in appearance such as the background in the dog image or an image like the sky. You can also try the Selections | Modify | Select Similar to do the same as multiple selections.

This was the first selection with the Tolerance set to 10.	This was made with several selections and the shift key depressed.

This page reposted by permission, Joe Cilinceon April 2002

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