Magnetic Lasso Tool

The Magnetic Lasso Tool creates selections, automatically clinging to edges of contrast objects:

• In the Toolbox, select the Magnetic Lasso Tool.
• Choose the tool's options:
  • Width defines the range, where the tool detects edges.
  • Edge Contrast defines tool's sensitivity
  • Frequency defines how often the tool sets anchor points.
• Click on the image to set the first anchor point.
• Draw with Magnetic Lasso to outline the object. The tool automatically creates fstening points (anchors) clinging to object's edges.
• To force a fastening point (to set an anchor manually) click at a key point.

• When you come near the first anchor points it looks like this . Click to close the contour.
• You can also double-click to close contour at anytime and any point.
• While New selection option chosen on the Options bar by creating new selection you delete existing one.
• To add an area to existing selection you have either to choose Add to selection option on the Options bar or to press (and hold) [Shift] key while selecting.
• To subtract an area from existing selection you have either to choose Subtract from selection option on the Options bar or to press [Alt] key while selecting.
• To intersect new selection with existing one either choose Intersect with selection option on the Options bar or press [Shift+Alt] keys while selecting.
• While New selection option is chosen and the point of cursor is within selected area the tool looks like this and can move selection (ie. borders of selected area and not image content).
• While New selection option is chosen you can also move selection using keyboard cursor keys.

Tip. Just in case you didn't know, the Magnetic Lasso tool is also available in Photoshop Elements that is way cheaper version. And if you believe, Photoshop Elements lacks some other important feature, be sure to visit this page.