Selections & cut-outs

Beginner · 4 min · 4 steps

Select subjects, refine edges and remove backgrounds in seconds.

1. Selection tools

   Marquee (M), Lasso (L) and Quick Selection / Magic Wand (W). Shift adds, Alt subtracts. Drag inside a selection to move it.

2. Select Subject

   Select › Subject finds the main subject for you. Image › Remove Background does the whole job in one click.

3. Refine edges

   Select and Mask (Ctrl+Alt+R) smooths, feathers and shifts edges — great for hair.

4. Use the selection

   Delete clears it, Ctrl+J copies it to a new layer, the Move tool (V) moves the selected pixels.