Quick Selection Tool

The Quick Selection Tool is a smart brush-based selection tool that automatically detects and selects edges as you paint. Unlike the Magic Wand which selects by color, the Quick Selection Tool analyzes texture and contrast to find object boundaries.

This tool is ideal for selecting complex objects like people, products, or animals against contrasting backgrounds. Simply paint over the area you want to select, and the tool automatically expands to fill the object's edges.

Where to Find It

The Quick Selection Tool is located in the toolbar, grouped with the Magic Wand Tool. It looks like a paintbrush with dotted lines trailing behind it. Press W to activate it, and Shift+W to toggle between Quick Selection and Magic Wand.

How to Use

• Paint to select: Click and drag over the area you want to select. The selection expands as you paint, snapping to edges automatically.
• Add to selection: Hold Shift and continue painting to add more areas to your selection.
• Subtract from selection: Hold Alt (Option) and paint over areas you want to remove from the selection.
• Adjust brush size: Use [ and ] to resize the brush. A smaller brush gives more precision around fine details.
• Refine edge: Click Select & Mask in the Options bar to fine-tune edges, especially around hair or fur.

Pro Tips

• Start painting in the center of the object and work outward — the tool performs best when it has a clear area to begin analyzing.
• Use a small brush (3–10px) around detailed areas like hair or edges for the most accurate results.
• After making a rough selection with the Quick Selection Tool, always use Select & Mask to refine hair, fur, or other complex edges.