How to Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool on Photoshop CS3

Easily select objects like a fence with Photoshop's polygon lasso.

You can flawlessly select an object with three or more straight edges using the polygon lasso tool in Photoshop CS3. This selection tool lets you specify the edges of your selection by clicking at various points to create corners for the shape. The polygon lasso won't let you select any curved shapes but is ideal for drawing a free-form selection consisting of various angles.

Instructions

1. Click on the polygon lasso tool in the tools panel. You may need to click and hold the icon for the standard lasso tool to reveal it. The polygon lasso tool's icon is a five-sided polygon with a loop at the bottom corner.

2. Look in the "Options" bar and enter a number in the "Feather" box if you want a selection with soft edges.

3. Click to create a starting point for the selection.

4. Trace where you want the first side of your selection by dragging the mouse, and then click to create a corner point.

5. Continue to trace the edges and click until you complete the shape.

6. Double-click to close the selection.

Tips & Warnings

• Hold down the "Shift" key while you're drawing your sides to make straight lines or to draw edges at a 45-degree angle. Pressing and holding "Shift" before you begin drawing will add your new selection to a current selection. Press and hold "Alt" to subtract the shape from an existing selection. Press the "Delete" key to remove the last section of the shape and redraw it.

References

• Adobe Photoshop CS3: Select With the Polygonal Lasso Tool
• Photoshop Essentials; Photoshop Selections: The Polygon Lasso Tool; Steve Patterson