Start
Previous Next

6. The Tools in the Toolbox / 6.3 Tools for Image Layers

### 6.3.10 The Quick Selection Tool

The Quick Selection tool is a semi-automatic tool for creating cut-out masks for objects. It has several subtools:

- Define Bounds
This tool is used for creating a rectangle, that encloses the object. After that Mark Object will be activated.
- Mark Object
With Mark Object you can mark the parts of the image, that belong to the object. These parts are shown yellow.
- Mark Background
With Mark Background you can mark the parts of the image, that belong to the background. These parts are shown red. You can quickly access this tool by holding Shift.
- Despeckle
If Despeckle is active, small speckles in the newly created selection will be deleted automatically. Speckles are areas that are only a few pixels in size.
- Erase Marks
If you have placed wrong marks in your image, you can use Erase Marks to remove them. You can access this tool quickly by holding Alt. You can use the right mouse button, too, if you have configured PhotoLine that way (see chapter 7.10.1.21 Clear with right mouse button).
- Erase
All current Quick Selection marks will be deleted. After that Define Bounds will be activated.

You use the Quick Selection tool in two steps. First you create a rectangle enclosing the object. PhotoLine will then automatically start computing a first proposal for the cut-out mask. This may last from a few seconds up to more than a minute depending on the speed of your computer, the size of the image and the complexity of the object. In the second step you repeatedly place object and background marks, until you are satisfied with the result.

The Quick Selection tool can enhance the edge of the created selection to adapt it to the unsharpness of the object. Edge Width controls the width of enhancement.

Tips for using the Quick Selection tool efficiently:

- If an object fills nearly the whole image, you should create a smaller rectangle with Define Bounds. Afterward remove the wrong marks with Erase Marks.
- Like written above computing a proposal can last quite a while. But meanwhile you shouldn't wait, instead you should mark the object and the background with a large brush. This will enhance the result and reduce the computing time.
- Switch tools by using the modifier keys: Shift for Mark Background, Alt or the right mouse button for Erase Marks.
- While enhancing the result, you often have to change the brush size. This is done most quickly by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) while dragging the mouse.
- You may often need to change the zoom factor of your document for detailed work. You can do this very quickly by using the mouse wheel while holding Ctrl (Window) or Command (macOS). This way you can zoom to a certain location very fast.
- Use the Magnifier (chapter 4.28). The mode Selection will show you, what the cut-out object will look like.