The Quick Selection Tool in Photoshop Elements – Instructions

How to Use the Quick Selection Tool in Photoshop Elements: Video

            This video lesson, titled “Learn How to Use the Quick Selection Tool in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023: A Training Tutorial,” shows how to use the Quick Selection Tool in Photoshop Elements. This video lesson is from our complete Photoshop Elements tutorial, titled “Mastering Photoshop Elements Made Easy v.2023.”

Overview of How to Use the Quick Selection Tool in Photoshop Elements:

            The Quick Selection Tool in Photoshop Elements makes pixel selections based on adjacent pixel color and texture similarity when you click and drag in an image. This can make creating precise selections with this tool difficult, depending on the edges within the image and the variation between adjacent pixel color. This tool shares a button within the “Select” button group in the Toolbox with the Magic Wand Tool, Selection Brush Tool, Auto Selection, and Refine Selection Brush Tool. So, be sure to select the Quick Selection Tool from the Tool Options Bar after clicking the button in the Toolbox.

            After you select the Quick Selection Tool in the Toolbox and, if needed, the Tool Options Bar, set its options in the Tool Options Bar. First, set the standard pixel selection settings, like its brush size and selection mode. The modes for this tool are “New selection,” “Add to selection,” or “Subtract from selection.”

            To sample the color from all layers under the tool’s brush, check the “Sample All Layers” checkbox. To automatically enhance the pixel selections you make using the Quick Selection Tool, check the “Auto-Enhance” checkbox. If you don’t like the “auto” results, you can turn it off by unchecking this checkbox. After applying the desired tool settings, simply click or click and drag in the image to create, add to, or subtract from, a selection.

A picture of a user making a selection with the Quick Selection Tool in Photoshop Elements.

Instructions on How to Use the Quick Selection Tool in Photoshop Elements:

1. To use the Quick Selection Tool in Photoshop Elements, select the “Quick Selection Tool” from the Toolbox and, if necessary, the Tool Options Bar.
2. Then set the standard pixel selection settings, like its brush size and selection mode.
3. The selection modes for this tool are “New selection,” “Add to selection,” or “Subtract from selection.”
4. To sample the color from all layers under the tool’s brush, check the “Sample All Layers” checkbox.
5. To automatically enhance the pixel selections you make, check the “Auto-Enhance” checkbox. If you don’t like the “auto” results, you can turn it off by unchecking this checkbox.
6. After applying the desired tool settings, simply click or click and drag in the image to create, add to, or subtract from, a selection.