{"id":32214,"date":"2022-06-06T11:45:41","date_gmt":"2022-06-06T15:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.photoshopessentials.com\/?p=32214"},"modified":"2022-11-05T10:16:16","modified_gmt":"2022-11-05T14:16:16","slug":"photoshop-selection-basics-the-rectangular-and-elliptical-marquee-tools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.photoshopessentials.com\/newsite\/basics\/photoshop-selection-basics-the-rectangular-and-elliptical-marquee-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"Drawing Selections with the Marquee Selection Tools in Photoshop"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"summary\">\n<p>New to Photoshop selection tools? Start here! Learn how to draw selections using the Rectangular Marquee Tool and the Elliptical Marquee Tool, and how to combine basic selections into more complex shapes! Includes examples of how to use these selection tools with your images!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"video3\">\n<div class=\"video-container\">\n    <iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pqhi6-F2WH8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"author\">Written by Steve Patterson.<\/div>\n<p>In this tutorial, I show you how to make selections in Photoshop using the two most basic and yet most useful selection tools, the <strong>Rectangular Marquee Tool<\/strong> and the <strong>Elliptical Marquee Tool<\/strong>. If you're new to Photoshop, these are the two selection tools you want to learn first.<\/p>\n<p>Together they're known as Photoshop's <strong>geometric selection tools<\/strong> because they draw selection outlines in rectangular or elliptical shapes. And while they may seem basic, they're both incredibly useful, and you'll come back to them again and again.<\/p>\n<p>Along with showing you how to draw simple selections with these tools, I\u2019ll also show you how to create more complex selections by combining two or more selection outlines together. And we\u2019ll look at a few examples of how you might use each tool in your Photoshop work.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<p>Let's get started!<\/p>\n<p class=\"members-ad-top\"><a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\">Download all of our Photoshop tutorials as PDFs!<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Which version of Photoshop do I need?<\/h2>\n<p>I'm using Photoshop 2022 but any recent version will work. <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adobe.com%2Fproducts%2Fphotoshop.html\" title=\"Get Adobe Photoshop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get the latest Photoshop version here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Where to find the Rectangular and Elliptical Marquee Tools<\/h2>\n<p>The Rectangular Marquee Tool and the Elliptical Marquee Tool are found in the same spot in the <a href=\"\/basics\/photoshop-tools-toolbar-overview\/\" title=\"Learn more\">toolbar<\/a>, directly below the Move Tool. By default, the <strong>Rectangular Marquee Tool<\/strong> is visible.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/rectangular-marquee-tool.png\" alt=\"The Rectangular Marquee Tool icon in Photoshop's toolbar.\" width=\"227\" height=\"236\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Rectangular Marquee Tool icon in the toolbar.<\/div>\n<p>But if you click and hold on its icon, you'll find the <strong>Elliptical Marquee Tool<\/strong>. There is also a <strong>Single Row Marquee Tool<\/strong> and <strong>Single Column Marquee Tool<\/strong>, but they select only a single row or a single column of pixels. Since they're not very useful, I won't be covering them here.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/photoshop-marquee-selection-tools.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's marquee selection tools in the toolbar.\" width=\"293\" height=\"234\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Photoshop's Marquee selection tools.<\/div>\n<h3>The Rectangular and Elliptical Marquee Tool keyboard shortcuts<\/h3>\n<p>Notice that both the Rectangular and the Elliptical Marquee Tool share the letter <strong>M<\/strong> as their <strong>keyboard shortcut<\/strong>. So if you have a different tool active, like the Move Tool, pressing M will select whichever marquee tool is visible in the toolbar.<\/p>\n<p>To switch to the other tool, hold the <strong>Shift<\/strong> key on your keyboard and press <strong>M<\/strong>. And then to switch back to the previous marquee tool, press Shift+M again.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/marquee-selection-tools-keyboard-shortcut.png\" alt=\"The Rectangular and Elliptical Marquee Tool keyboard shortcut.\" width=\"308\" height=\"192\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Rectangular and Elliptical Marquee Tool keyboard shortcut.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">How to draw selections with the Rectangular Marquee Tool<\/h2>\n<p>The Rectangular and Elliptical Marquee Tools are very similar. In fact, the only difference is that one draws rectangular selection outlines and the other draws elliptical selection outlines. Other than that, they behave exactly the same.<\/p>\n<p>So I'll start by showing you the basics of how a tool works. And for that, I'll keep things simple and use a plain white background to make the selection outlines easier to see. Then once we've covered the basics, I'll switch over to an image.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h3>Selecting the Rectangular Marquee Tool from the toolbar<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<p>We\u2019ll start with the Rectangular Marquee Tool. But you can also jump to the <a href=\"#elliptical\">Elliptical Marquee Tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>I'll select the Rectangular Marquee Tool from the toolbar.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-rectangular-marquee-tool.png\" alt=\"Selecting the Rectangular Marquee Tool in Photoshop.\" width=\"292\" height=\"193\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the Rectangular Marquee Tool.<\/div>\n<h3>How to draw a rectangular selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>The Rectangular Marquee Tool is used for drawing rectangular or square selection outlines. If you click and drag with the tool, you'll draw a freeform rectangular selection. The outline is indicated by what's commonly called the <q>marching ants<\/q>. Anything inside the outline is selected, and anything outside is not.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-rectangular-selection-outline.png\" alt=\"How to draw a rectangular selection outline with Photoshop's Rectangular Marquee Tool\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click and drag to draw a freeform rectangular selection outline.<\/div>\n<p>If you click and drag <em>outside<\/em> of an existing selection outline, you'll clear the selection and draw a new one.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/clear-and-draw-new-rectangular-selection.png\" alt=\"How to clear a selection and draw a new one in Photoshop\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click and drag outside an existing selection to draw a new selection outline.<\/div>\n<p>And if you click and drag <em>inside<\/em> a selection, you'll move the outline around. You won't move the actual pixels inside the selection. just  the outline itself. That's because we're dragging with a selection tool. <\/p>\n<p>If we were to drag with the Move Tool inside the selection, we would move the actual pixels. I won't do that here, but we'll come back to that when we switch over to an image.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/move-rectangular-selection-outline.png\" alt=\"How to reposition a selection outline after you draw it in Photoshop\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click and drag inside a selection outline to reposition it.<\/div>\n<h3>How to reposition the outline as you draw the selection<\/h3>\n<p>If you start drawing a selection and then hold the <strong>spacebar<\/strong> on your keyboard, you can drag to reposition the outline. Then release the spacebar to continue drawing.<\/p>\n<h3>How to remove a selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>To remove a selection outline when you\u2019re done with it, go up to the <strong>Select<\/strong> menu in the Menu Bar and choose <strong>Deselect<\/strong>. Or press the keyboard shortcut <strong>Ctrl+D<\/strong> on a Windows PC or <strong>Command+D<\/strong> on a Mac. Or just click anywhere in the document with your selection tool to deselect it.<\/p>\n<p>If you cleared the selection by mistake, you can bring it back by going up to the <strong>Edit<\/strong> menu and choosing <strong>Undo Deselect<\/strong> or by pressing <strong>Ctrl+Z<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Command+Z<\/strong> on a Mac.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/deselect-command-photoshop.png\" alt=\"How to delect a selection in Photoshop\" width=\"295\" height=\"135\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Deselect command under the Select menu.<\/div>\n<h3>Drawing a rectangular selection outward from its center<\/h3>\n<p>Notice that every time we drag, we draw the selection outline from its corner. But you can also draw it outward from its center. After you start dragging, hold the <strong>Alt<\/strong> key on a PC or the <strong>Option<\/strong> key on a Mac and then continue dragging. When you're done, release your mouse button and then release the Alt or Option key.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-rectangular-selection-from-center.png\" alt=\"How to draw a rectangular selection outward from its center in Photoshop\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Begin dragging, then hold Alt (Win) \/ Option (Mac) to draw the selection from its center.<\/div>\n<h3>How to draw a selection outline as a perfect square<\/h3>\n<p>To draw a selection as a perfect square, begin dragging with the Rectangular Marquee Tool. Then hold the <strong>Shift<\/strong> key on your keyboard and continue dragging. When you're done, release your mouse button and then release the Shift key. <\/p>\n<p>Always remember to release your mouse button first and <em>then<\/em> whichever key you were holding down. If you release the key first, you'll lose the effect that the key was having. In this case, the square would revert back to a rectangle. So I\u2019ll keep the Shift key down, then I'll release my mouse button, and then the Shift key.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-square-selection-outline-photoshop.png\" alt=\"How to draw a selection outline as a perfect square with Photoshop's Rectangular Marquee Tool\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Begin dragging, then hold Shift to draw the selection as a perfect square.<\/div>\n<h3>Drawing a rectangular selection at a fixed size or ratio<\/h3>\n<p>By default, the Rectangular Marquee Tool draws selections freely at any size or aspect ratio. That's because in the Options Bar, the <strong>Style<\/strong> option is set to <strong>Normal<\/strong>. But we can also draw a selection at a fixed ratio or a fixed size.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/selection-tool-style.png\" alt=\"The Style option in the Options Bar\" width=\"291\" height=\"132\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Style option in the Options Bar, set to Normal by default.<\/div>\n<h4>Fixed Ratio<\/h4>\n<p>If you set the style to <strong>Fixed Ratio<\/strong>,  enter the ratio you need into the <strong>Width<\/strong> and <strong>Height<\/strong> fields. A ratio of 1 to 1 will draw a perfect square. If I set the Width to 4 and the Height to 6, I'll draw a selection at a 4 x 6 ratio. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/style-fixed-ratio.png\" alt=\"Setting the Rectangular Marquee Tool style to Fixed Ratio\" width=\"572\" height=\"105\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the Style to Fixed Ratio and entering a ratio into the Width and Height fields.<\/div>\n<p>You can flip the orientation of the aspect ratio by clicking the <strong>swap icon<\/strong> between the Width and Height fields.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/fixed-ratio-swap-icon.png\" alt=\"Click the swap icon to switch between landscape or portrait orientation.\" width=\"530\" height=\"105\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click the swap icon to switch between landscape or portrait orientation.<\/div>\n<p>But you'll need to draw another selection outline for the change to take effect.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-rectangular-selection-fixed-ratio.png\" alt=\"How to draw a rectangular selection outline at a fixed ratio in Photoshop.\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Drawing a rectangular selection outline at a fixed ratio.<\/div>\n<h3>Fixed Size<\/h3>\n<p>If you set the style to <strong>Fixed Size<\/strong>, enter a value in pixels, inches or whichever measurement type you need into the <strong>Width<\/strong> and <strong>Height<\/strong> fields. I'll set the Width to 400 px. Then I'll press the <strong>Tab<\/strong> key on my keyboard to jump over to the Height, and I'll enter 300 px.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/selection-style-fixed-size.png\" alt=\"Setting the Rectangular Marquee Tool style to Fixed Size.\" width=\"567\" height=\"104\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the Style to Fixed Size and entering the size into the Width and Height fields.<\/div>\n<p>With your width and height entered, all you need to do is click in the document and release your mouse button to instantly draw a selection outline at that exact size. If you click and drag, you can reposition the outline. Then release your mouse button to accept it.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-rectangular-selection-fixed-size.png\" alt=\"How to draw a rectangular selection outline at a fixed size in Photoshop.\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click and release to draw the selection at a fixed size.<\/div>\n<p>When you're done, remember to switch the <strong>Style<\/strong> option back to <strong>Normal<\/strong> or you'll be stuck at that size or aspect ratio the next time you draw a selection.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/reset-selection-style-to-normal.png\" alt=\"Resetting the Rectangular Marquee Tool style back to Normal.\" width=\"325\" height=\"107\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Resetting the Style back to Normal.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">How to add, subtract or intersect a rectangular selection<\/h2>\n<p>So far, we\u2019ve learned how to draw one selection outline at a time. But we can also combine selection outlines to create more complex selections. <\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<p>Along the left of the Options Bar is a row of four icons. From left to right, we have <strong>New selection<\/strong>, <strong>Add to selection<\/strong>, <strong>Subtract from selection<\/strong>, and <strong>Intersect with selection<\/strong>. The first icon, New selection, is active by default which is why we draw a new selection each time we drag with the tool. But we can also add to the existing selection, or subtract an area from it. And we can even keep the selection only in the area where our new selection and the existing selection overlap.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/new-add-subtract-intersect-selection-icons.png\" alt=\"The New, Add, Subtract and Intersect selection option for Photoshop's Rectangular Marquee Tool.\" width=\"369\" height=\"129\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The New, Add, Subtract and Intersect selection options.<\/div>\n<p>But the problem with choosing one of these icons in the Options Bar is that they are sticky, meaning that they remain selected until you choose a different one. So a better way to access these options is by using their keyboard shortcuts.<\/p>\n<h3>The Add to selection keyboard shortcut<\/h3>\n<p>To add your next selection to the existing selection, press and hold the <strong>Shift<\/strong> key on your keyboard. You'll see a <strong>plus sign<\/strong> in the lower right of your cursor. Then drag out a selection outline.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/add-to-rectangular-selection.png\" alt=\"How to add to a selection outline with Photoshop's Rectangular Marquee Tool.\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Hold Shift and drag to add the next selection to the existing selection.<\/div>\n<p>The new one is added to the previous selection.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/rectangular-selection-added.png\" alt=\"The two rectangular selection outlines have been combined into one.\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The two selection outlines have been combined into one.<\/div>\n<p>The selection outlines don't need to overlap. You can add a completely different area to the selection by holding <strong>Shift<\/strong> and dragging. This way, you can have two or more parts of your image selected at once.<\/p>\n<p>Then to clear all of the selections at once, press <strong>Ctrl+D<\/strong> on a Windows PC or <strong>Command+D<\/strong> on a Mac.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/more-rectangular-selections-added.png\" alt=\"Adding multiple areas to the selection with the Rectangular Marquee Tool.\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Hold Shift and dragging to add multiple areas to the selection.<\/div>\n<h3>The Subtract from Selection keyboard shortcut<\/h3>\n<p>To subtract an area from the existing selection, press and hold the <strong>Alt<\/strong> key on a PC or the <strong>Option<\/strong> key on a Mac. A <strong>minus sign<\/strong> appears in the lower right of the cursor. Then drag around the area you want to subtract.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/subtract-from-rectangular-selection.png\" alt=\"How to subtract from a selection with Photoshop's Rectangular Marquee Tool\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Hold Alt (Win) \/ Option (Mac) and drag to subtract from the selection.<\/div>\n<p>Release your mouse button and the area is subtracted. I'll undo it by pressing <strong>Ctrl+Z<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Command+Z<\/strong> on a Mac.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/rectangular-selection-subtracted.png\" alt=\"The selected area was subtracted from the original selection outline\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The selected area was subtracted from the original selection outline.<\/div>\n<h3>The Intersect with Selection keyboard shortcut<\/h3>\n<p>Finally, to keep the selection only in the area where your next selection and the existing selection overlap or intersect, hold <strong>Shift+Alt<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Shift+Option<\/strong> on a Mac. You'll see a small <strong>x<\/strong> in the lower right of your cursor. Then drag around part of your existing selection.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/intersect-with-rectangular-selection.png\" alt=\"How to intersect with a selection with Photoshop's Rectangular Marquee Tool\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Hold Shift+Alt (Win) \/ Shift+Option (Mac) and drag to keep only where the two selections intersect.<\/div>\n<p>When you release your mouse button, you'll keep only the area where the two selection outlines overlapped.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/rectangular-selection-intersected.png\" alt=\"Only the area where the selection outlines overlapped remains selected.\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Only the area where the selection outlines overlapped remains selected.<\/div>\n<h3>The Feather option<\/h3>\n<p>There's one more option in the Options Bar we need to look at, which is <strong>Feather<\/strong>. Feather adds softness or blurring to your selection edges. So if I was to increase the Feather amount from 0 (the default) to 2 px, I would add a 2 px blur to the edge of the next selection I draw.<\/p>\n<p>But the problem here is that you need to set the Feather amount <em>before<\/em> drawing the selection. Changing it afterwards has no effect. So if you don't know how much blurring you need, this option isn't very useful. Plus you need to reset it back to 0 each time, otherwise you'll keep adding the same amount of blur to all of your selections.<\/p>\n<p>There are ways to add feathering after you draw the selection, and we\u2019ll look at one of them when we switch over to the images, which we\u2019ll do next. So in most cases, you'll want to leave the Feather value in the Options Bar set to 0. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/feather-option-rectangular-marquee-tool.png\" alt=\"The Feather option for the Rectangular Marquee Tool\" width=\"506\" height=\"129\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Feather option.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Three ways to use the Rectangular Marquee Tool<\/h2>\n<p>That's the basics of how to draw selections with the Rectangular Marquee Tool in Photoshop. Now let's look at a few common ways to use it, including how to <strong>crop an image around your selection<\/strong>, how to <strong>copy your selection to a new layer<\/strong>, and how to <strong>convert your selection outline into a layer mask<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll also show you how to resize your selection outline after you draw it using Photoshop\u2019s <strong>Transform Selection<\/strong> command, and how to soften the edges using the <strong>Feather<\/strong> option in the Properties panel.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Cropping an image with the Rectangular Marquee Tool<\/h2>\n<p>We'll start with cropping the image. I'll switch over to my <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fstock.adobe.com%2Fimages%2Fclose-up-portrait-of-young-smiling-handsome-guy-in-blue-t-shirt-isolated-on-gray-background%2F222851624\" title=\"View image on Adobe Stock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">first image<\/a> which I downloaded from Adobe Stock.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/first-image-rectangular-marquee-tool.jpg\" alt=\"The first image to be used with the Rectangular Marquee Tool tutorial\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The first image.<\/div>\n<p>Since it\u2019s rare to find something in an image that\u2019s a perfect rectangle or square, the Rectangular Marquee Tool is more often used to select a general area. And one way to use it is as a quick and easy Crop Tool.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, Photoshop does include <a href=\"\/basics\/how-to-crop-images-photoshop-cc\/\" title=\"Learn more\">a dedicated Crop Tool<\/a> with more features. But if you just need something fast, the Rectangular Marquee Tool works great.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Draw a rectangular selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>Just drag a selection outline around the area you want to keep. Hold the <strong>spacebar<\/strong> as you drag if you need to reposition it, and then release the spacebar to continue dragging.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/drag-rectangular-selection-to-crop-image.jpg\" alt=\"Drawing a rectangular selection outline to use as a crop border.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Drawing a rectangular selection outline to use as a crop border.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Go to Image &gt; Crop<\/h3>\n<p>Go up to the <strong>Image<\/strong> menu and choose <strong>Crop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/image-crop.png\" alt=\"Selecting the Crop command from the Image menu in Photoshop.\" width=\"259\" height=\"262\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Image &gt; Crop.<\/div>\n<p>Photoshop crops away everything outside your selection. You can then clear the selection by pressing <strong>Ctrl+D<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Command+D<\/strong> on a Mac.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/image-cropped-rectangular-marquee-tool.jpg\" alt=\"How to crop an image using Photoshop's Rectangular Marquee Tool.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The areas outside the selection outline are cropped away.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Resizing a selection outline with Transform Selection<\/h2>\n<p>Here's a great tip. If you drag out a selection outline and it's not exactly right, you don't need to start over and draw a new one. You can resize an existing selection outline using Photoshop's Transform Selection command.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Go to Select &gt; Transform Selection<\/h3>\n<p>With a selection outline active, go up to the <strong>Select<\/strong> menu and choose <strong>Transform Selection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/photoshop-transform-selection-command.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Transform Selection command in Photoshop.\" width=\"259\" height=\"129\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Select &gt; Transform Selection.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Drag the handles to resize the outline<\/h3>\n<p>The Transform Selection command works like Photoshop's <a href=\"\/basics\/transform-and-warp-images-with-free-transform-in-photoshop-cc-2019\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Free Transform<\/a> command but with selection outlines instead of pixels.<\/p>\n<p>Just drag any of the handles to resize the outline. By default, the aspect ratio is locked. So when we drag one of the handles, they all move together. To adjust one side at a time, hold the <strong>Shift<\/strong> key as you drag.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/transform-rectangular-selection.jpg\" alt=\"How to resize a selection outline with Photoshop's Transform Selection command.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Resizing the selection outline with Transform Selection.<\/div>\n<p>Then to accept it and close the Transform Selection command, click the <strong>checkmark<\/strong> in the Options Bar.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/transform-selection-checkmark.png\" alt=\"Clicking the checkmark to close the Transform Selection command.\" width=\"331\" height=\"111\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the checkmark.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Copying a selection to a new layer<\/h2>\n<p>Next I'll show you how to copy your selection to its own layer, and we'll use it to create a simple picture-in-picture effect.<\/p>\n<p>I'll switch over to my <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fstock.adobe.com%2Fimages%2Ftwo-girlfriends-having-fun-at-azur-studio-background%2F174012401\" title=\"View image on Adobe Stock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">second image<\/a>, also from Adobe Stock.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/second-image-rectangular-marquee-tool.jpg\" alt=\"The second image to be used as part of the Rectangular Marquee Tool tutorial.\" width=\"806\" height=\"458\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The second image.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 1: Draw a rectangular selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>Start by dragging out a selection outline with the Rectangular Marquee Tool.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/drag-rectangular-selection-second-image.jpg\" alt=\"Drawing a selection outline with the Rectangular Marquee Tool.\" width=\"805\" height=\"498\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Drawing a rectangular selection outline.<\/div>\n<h3>Dragging the selection with the Move Tool<\/h3>\n<p>Before we copy the selection to a new layer, I just want to show you the difference between dragging inside the selection outline with a selection tool and dragging with the <strong>Move Tool<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>I'll select the Move Tool from the toolbar.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-move-tool-photoshop.png\" alt=\"Selecting Photoshop's Move Tool from the toolbar\" width=\"217\" height=\"207\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the Move Tool.<\/div>\n<p>We know that if we drag inside the selection with a selection tool, we move the selection outline itself. But if we drag inside it with the Move Tool, we move the actual pixels.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/drag-selection-with-move-tool.jpg\" alt=\"Dragging the selected area with Photoshop's Move Tool\" width=\"805\" height=\"498\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging inside the selection outline with the Move Tool moves the pixels.<\/div>\n<p>Notice that not only have we cut a hole in the image by moving the selection, but Photoshop is filling the missing area with white. That\u2019s because, in the <a href=\"\/basics\/layers\/layers-panel\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Layers panel<\/a>, we see that we\u2019re working on the <a href=\"\/basics\/background-layer-photoshop-cc\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Background layer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/layers-panel-background-layer.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Layers panel showing the image on the Background layer\" width=\"295\" height=\"236\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Layers panel showing the image on the Background layer.<\/div>\n<p>Since Background layers do not support transparency, Photoshop needs to fill that missing area with something. So it fills it with our current <strong>Background color<\/strong>. And by default, the Background color is white, as we see in the toolbar.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/photoshop-background-color-toolbar.png\" alt=\"The Foreground and Background color swatches in Photoshop's toolbar\" width=\"136\" height=\"220\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Foreground (upper left) and Background (lower right) color swatches.<\/div>\n<p>I'll undo moving the selection by going up to the <strong>Edit<\/strong> menu and choosing <strong>Undo Move<\/strong>. Or by pressing <strong>Ctrl+Z<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Command+Z<\/strong> on a Mac.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/edit-undo-move.png\" alt=\"Selecting the Undo Move command in Photoshop\" width=\"367\" height=\"117\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Edit &gt; Undo Move.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Choose the New Layer via Copy command<\/h3>\n<p>A better way to work is to copy the selection to its own layer by going up to the <strong>Layer<\/strong> menu, choosing <strong>New<\/strong>, and then <strong>Layer via Copy<\/strong>. Or by pressing one of Photoshop's most useful keyboard shortcuts, <strong>Ctrl+J<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Command+J<\/strong> on a Mac.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/photoshop-new-layer-via-copy-command.png\" alt=\"Selecting the New Layer via Copy command in Photoshop\" width=\"502\" height=\"283\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Layer &gt; New &gt; Layer via Copy.<\/div>\n<p>It won\u2019t look like anything has happened to the image except that our selection outline is gone. But in the Layers panel, we see that the selection was copied to a new layer above the Background layer.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/rectangular-selection-copied-to-new-layer.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Layers panel showing the selected area copied to a new layer\" width=\"295\" height=\"220\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The selected area was copied to a new layer above the image.<\/div>\n<p>If we turn off the Background layer by clicking its <strong>visibility icon<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/turn-off-background-layer.png\" alt=\"Turning off the Background layer in the Layers panel\" width=\"334\" height=\"214\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Turning off the Background layer.<\/div>\n<p>We see just the area we selected, surrounded by transparency. This means that we can now do something with our selection without affecting the rest of the image below it. Or we can do something to the image without affecting the selection above it. Let's do both by creating a simple picture-in-picture effect.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/view-selected-pixels-only.jpg\" alt=\"With the Background layer off, we see just the area we selected.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">With the Background layer off, we see just the area we selected.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 3: Select the Background layer<\/h3>\n<p>Start by converting the rest of the image to black and white. In the Layers panel, select the <strong>Background layer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-background-layer-second-image.png\" alt=\"Selecting the Background layer in the Layers panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"205\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the Background layer.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 4: Add a Hue\/Saturation adjustment layer<\/h3>\n<p>Still in the Layers panel, click the <strong>New Fill or Adjustment Layer<\/strong> icon.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/click-new-fill-adjustment-layer-icon.png\" alt=\"Clicking the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon in Photoshop's Layers panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"91\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon.<\/div>\n<p>Then choose a <strong>Hue\/Saturation<\/strong> adjustment layer from the list.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/add-hue-saturation-adjustment-layer.png\" alt=\"Adding a Hue\/Saturation adjustment layer in Photoshop.\" width=\"295\" height=\"280\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing Hue\/Saturation.<\/div>\n<p>The adjustment layer appears between the original image on the Background layer and the layer that holds our selection. This means it will affect only the layer below it, not the layer above it.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/adjustment-layer-added-above-background-layer.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Layers panel showing the adjustment layer added between the two layers.\" width=\"295\" height=\"218\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The adjustment layer is added between the two layers.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 5: Lower the Saturation value<\/h3>\n<p>The options for the Hue\/Saturation adjustment appear in the <a href=\"\/basics\/using-the-enhanced-properties-panel-in-photoshop\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Properties panel<\/a>. To remove the color from the image, drag the Saturation slider all the way to the left.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/drag-saturation-slider-properties-panel.png\" alt=\"Removing the color from the image using the Saturation slider in Photoshop's Properties panel\" width=\"335\" height=\"351\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging the Saturation slider in the Properties panel.<\/div>\n<p>Since the adjustment layer is not affecting the layer above it, the area we selected remains in color while the rest of the image surrounding it has the color removed.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/selection-remains-in-color.jpg\" alt=\"The result after desaturating the image below the adjustment layer\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result after desaturating the image below the adjustment layer.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 6: Select the top layer<\/h3>\n<p>Complete the picture-in-picture effect by adding a white border around the selection.<\/p>\n<p>In the Layers panel, click on the top layer to select it.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-top-layer-second-image.png\" alt=\"Selecting the layer that holds the selection\" width=\"295\" height=\"240\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the top layer.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 7: Add a Stroke layer effect<\/h3>\n<p>Add a stroke by going up to the <strong>Layer<\/strong> menu, choosing <strong>Layer Style<\/strong>, and then <strong>Stroke<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/image-layer-style-stroke.png\" alt=\"Adding a Stroke layer style from Photoshop's Layer menu\" width=\"424\" height=\"318\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Layer &gt; Layer Style &gt; Stroke.<\/div>\n<p>In the Layer Style dialog box, click the <strong>color swatch<\/strong> and choose <strong>white<\/strong> from the Color Picker by setting the <strong>R<\/strong>, <strong>G<\/strong> and <strong>B<\/strong> values each to <strong>255<\/strong>. Then set the <strong>Position<\/strong> to <strong>Inside<\/strong>, and choose a width for the border by dragging the <strong>Size<\/strong> slider.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/stroke-options.png\" alt=\"The Stroke options in Photoshop's Layer Style dialog box\" width=\"369\" height=\"297\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Stroke options in the Layer Style dialog box.<\/div>\n<p>Click OK to close the dialog box. And we now have our selection in color, a border around the selection, and everything surrounding it in black and white. All thanks to that initial selection we made with the Rectangular Marquee Tool.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/stroke-border-around-rectangular-selection.jpg\" alt=\"An easy picture-in-picture effect created with Photoshop's Rectangular Marquee Tool\" width=\"805\" height=\"498\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">An easy picture-in-picture effect.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Converting a selection outline into a layer mask<\/h2>\n<p>Before we move on to the Elliptical Marquee Tool, let's quickly look at how to turn our selection outline into a <strong>layer mask<\/strong>. And how we can then soften the edges of the mask using the Feather option in the Properties panel.<\/p>\n<p>I'll switch over to my <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fstock.adobe.com%2Fimages%2Fromantic-golden-sunset-river-lake-fog-loving-couple-small-rowing-boat-date-beautiful-lovers-ride-during-happy-woman-man-together-relaxing-water-nature-around%2F142205136\" title=\"View image on Adobe Stock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">third image<\/a> from Adobe Stock. Just like we did last time, we'll keep part of the image in color and convert the rest of it to black and white. But this time, we'll do things differently.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/third-image-rectangular-marquee-tool.jpg\" alt=\"The third image used in the Rectangular Marquee Tool tutorial\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The third image.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 1: Draw a rectangular selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>Start by dragging a rectangular selection outline around the area that should remain in color.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-rectangular-selection-third-image.jpg\" alt=\"Selecting an area in the center that will remain in color\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting an area in the center that will remain in color.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Add a Hue\/Saturation adjustment layer<\/h3>\n<p>But instead of copying the selection to its own layer, just add the Hue\/Saturation adjustment layer by clicking the <strong>New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon<\/strong> in the Layers panel:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/click-new-fill-adjustment-layer-icon.png\" alt=\"Clicking the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon in Photoshop's Layers panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"91\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon.<\/div>\n<p>And choosing <strong>Hue\/Saturation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/add-hue-saturation-adjustment-layer.png\" alt=\"Adding a Hue\/Saturation adjustment layer in Photoshop.\" width=\"295\" height=\"280\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing Hue\/Saturation.<\/div>\n<h3>The selection outline is converted into a layer mask<\/h3>\n<p>The adjustment layer is added above the image. And notice that Photoshop used the selection outline to create a <a href=\"\/basics\/understanding-photoshop-layer-masks\/\" title=\"Learn more\">layer mask<\/a> for the adjustment layer, which we can see in the <strong>layer mask thumbnail<\/strong>. The white part of the mask is the area that was inside the selection outline, and the black area is everything that was outside.\n<\/p>\n<p>The way a layer mask works is that the <strong>white<\/strong> part is where the contents of the layer are <strong>visible<\/strong> in the document and the <strong>black<\/strong> part is where the contents are <strong>hidden<\/strong>. Since we\u2019re using the mask with an adjustment layer, the mask controls which part of the image is being affected by the adjustment layer and which part is not. <\/p>\n<p>If you think of the edges of the thumbnail as representing the edges of the image, the adjustment layer is affecting only that smaller white-filled area in the center.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/rectangular-selection-outline-converted-to-layer-mask.png\" alt=\"The selection outline has been converted into a layer mask for the adjustment layer.\" width=\"295\" height=\"212\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The selection outline has been converted to a layer mask for the adjustment layer.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 3: Lower the Saturation value<\/h3>\n<p>To remove the color, go up to the Properties panel and drag the <strong>Saturation<\/strong> slider all the way to the left.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/drag-saturation-slider-properties-panel.png\" alt=\"Dragging the Saturation slider in Photoshop's Properties panel.\" width=\"335\" height=\"351\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging the Saturation slider in the Properties panel.<\/div>\n<p>But Photoshop removes the color from the area we selected, not the area around it.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/color-desaturated-from-selection.jpg\" alt=\"The color is removed from the wrong part of the image.\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The color is removed from the wrong part of the image.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 4: Invert the layer mask<\/h3>\n<p>To fix that, we need to invert the layer mask. In the Layers panel, make sure the <strong>layer mask thumbnail<\/strong> is selected.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-layer-mask-thumbnail.png\" alt=\"Selecting the adjustment layer's mask thumbnail in Photoshop's Layers panel\" width=\"295\" height=\"202\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the layer mask thumbnail.<\/div>\n<p>Then in the Properties panel, click the <strong>Invert<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/properties-panel-invert-option.png\" alt=\"Clicking the Invert option in Photoshop's Properties panel\" width=\"295\" height=\"400\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking Invert.<\/div>\n<p>After inverting the mask, which turned the white parts black and the black parts white, the adjustment layer is now affecting only the areas that were outside our initial selection, while the area in the center remains in color.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/result-layer-mask-inverted.jpg\" alt=\"The result after inverting the layer mask for the Hue\/Saturation adjustment layer\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result after inverting the layer mask.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 5: Increase the Feather amount in the Properties panel<\/h3>\n<p>Finally, instead of adding another border like we did last time, this time we'll soften the edges to create a smooth transition between the color area in the center and the desaturated areas around it.<\/p>\n<p>Since we converted the selection outline to a layer mask, we can simply blur the mask by going up to the Properties panel and dragging the <strong>Feather<\/strong> slider to the right.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/properties-panel-feather-option.png\" alt=\"Increasing the Feather value in Photoshop's Properties panel to soften the layer mask edges\" width=\"295\" height=\"244\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Increasing the Feather value to soften the mask edges.<\/div>\n<p>After feathering the layer mask, the hard edges are replaced with smooth, gradual transitions. And that's our look at using the Rectangular Marquee Tool.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/result-with-adjustment-layer-on.jpg\" alt=\"The result after feathering the layer mask\" width=\"806\" height=\"458\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The effect after feathering the layer mask.<\/div>\n<p><a name=\"elliptical\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">How to draw selections with the Elliptical Marquee Tool<\/h2>\n<p>Now let's switch from the Rectangular Marquee Tool to the Elliptical Marquee Tool so we can quickly cover the basics.<\/p>\n<p class=\"members-ad-top\"><a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\">Download all of our Photoshop tutorials as PDFs!<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-top:0;\">Selecting the Rectangular Marquee Tool from the toolbar<\/h3>\n<p>Select the Elliptical Marquee Tool from the toolbar. If the Rectangular Marquee Tool is visible, click and hold on its icon and then choose the Elliptical Marquee Tool from the list.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-elliptical-marquee-tool-photoshop.png\" alt=\"Where to find the Elliptical Marquee Tool in Photoshop\" width=\"294\" height=\"193\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">By default, the Elliptical Marquee Tool is hiding behind the Rectangular Marquee Tool.<\/div>\n<h3>Drawing an elliptical selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>The Elliptical Marquee Tool works exactly the same as the Rectangular Marquee Tool. The only difference is that it draws elliptical selection outlines, not rectangles. If you click and drag with the tool, you'll draw a freeform elliptical selection.<\/p>\n<p>Click and drag outside an existing selection outline to clear the selection and draw a new one. Or click and drag inside the outline with a selection tool to reposition the outline. To reposition the outline as you draw it, hold the <strong>spacebar<\/strong> on your keyboard, drag the outline into place, and then release the spacebar and continue dragging.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-elliptical-selection-outline-photoshop.png\" alt=\"How to draw an elliptical selection outline with Photoshop's Elliptical Marquee Tool\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click and drag to draw a freeform elliptical selection outline.<\/div>\n<h3>How to deselect a selection<\/h3>\n<p>To remove the selection outline when you're done, go up to the <strong>Select<\/strong> menu and choose <strong>Deselect<\/strong>. Or press the keyboard shortcut <strong>Ctrl+D<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Command+D<\/strong> on a Mac. Or just click in the document with your selection tool.<\/p>\n<h3>Drawing an elliptical selection outline from its center<\/h3>\n<p>To draw an elliptical selection outline from its center, begin dragging, then hold the <strong>Alt<\/strong> key on a PC or the <strong>Option<\/strong> key on a Mac and continue dragging.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-elliptical-selection-outline-from-center.png\" alt=\"How to draw an elliptical selection outline from its center with Photoshop's Elliptical Marquee Tool\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Drawing the elliptical selection outline from its center.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h3>How to draw a selection as a perfect circle<\/h3>\n<p>To draw a selection outline as a perfect circle, begin dragging with the Elliptical Marquee Tool. Then hold the <strong>Shift<\/strong> key on your keyboard and continue dragging. Add the <strong>Alt<\/strong> key or the <strong>Option<\/strong> key on a Mac to draw the circle outward from its center. When you\u2019re done, remember to release your mouse button first,  then whichever key or keys you were holding down.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-perfect-circle-selection.png\" alt=\"How to draw a selection outline as a perfect circle with Photoshop's Elliptical Marquee Tool\" width=\"810\" height=\"508\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Drawing the elliptical selection outline as a circle.<\/div>\n<h3>The Anti-alias option<\/h3>\n<p>In the Options Bar, we have the same options we had with the Rectangular Marquee Tool. The only new one is <strong>Anti-alias<\/strong> which adds a slight blur to the selection edges to keep them from looking too jagged. Anti-alias you should be left on.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/elliptical-marquee-tool-antialias-option.png\" alt=\"The Anti-alias option for Photoshop's Elliptical Marquee Tool\" width=\"511\" height=\"109\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Anti-alias option, on by default.<\/div>\n<h3>How to add, subtract and intersect elliptical selections<\/h3>\n<p>On the left of the Options Bar are the same <strong>New selection<\/strong>, <strong>Add to selection<\/strong>, <strong>Subtract from selection<\/strong> and <strong>Intersect with selection<\/strong> options that we had with the Rectangular Marquee Tool. But again you should avoid using these icons and instead use their keyboard shortcuts.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/new-add-subtract-intersect-selection-icons-elliptical.png\" alt=\"The New selection, Add to selection, Subtract from selection and Intersect with selection icons for Photoshop's Elliptical Marquee Tool\" width=\"451\" height=\"128\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The New, Add, Subtract and Intersect selection icons.<\/div>\n<p>To add your next selection outline to the existing selection outline, hold the <strong>Shift<\/strong> key on your keyboard and then drag.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/add-to-elliptical-selection.png\" alt=\"How to add the next selection to the existing selection with the Elliptical Marquee Tool\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Hold Shift and drag to add the selection to the existing selection.<\/div>\n<p>Release your mouse button and the two selections are combined together.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/elliptical-selection-added.png\" alt=\"The two elliptical selection outlines have been combined into one\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The two selection outlines have been combined into one.<\/div>\n<p>To subtract the next selection from the existing selection, hold the <strong>Alt<\/strong> key on a PC or the <strong>Option<\/strong> key on a Mac and then drag around the area you want to subtract.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/subtract-from-elliptical-selection.png\" alt=\"How to subtract the next selection from the existing selection with the Elliptical Marquee Tool\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Hold Alt (Win) \/ Option (Mac) and drag to subtract the selection from the existing selection.<\/div>\n<p>Release your mouse button and the area is subtracted.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/elliptical-selection-subtracted.png\" alt=\"The new selection removed part of the previous selection\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The new selection removed part of the previous selection.<\/div>\n<p>And to keep only the area where the next selection and the existing selection intersect, hold <strong>Shift+Alt<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Shift+Option<\/strong> on a Mac as you drag.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/intersect-elliptical-selection.png\" alt=\"How to intersect selections with the Elliptical Marquee Tool\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Hold Shift+Alt (Win) \/ Shift+Option (Mac) and drag to intersect the two selection outlines.<\/div>\n<p>Release your mouse button and only the area where the two selection outlines overlapped remains selected.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/elliptical-selection-intersected.png\" alt=\"Only the intersection of the two selection outlines remains.\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Only the intersection of the two selection outlines remains.<\/div>\n<h3>The Style options<\/h3>\n<p>We have the same <strong>Style<\/strong> option for the Elliptical Marquee Tool that we had with the Rectangular Marquee Tool. With Style set to <strong>Normal<\/strong>, we can drag an elliptical selection outline at any size or aspect ratio. But we also have Fixed Ratio and Fixed Size.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/elliptical-selection-tool-style-options.png\" alt=\"The Style options for the Elliptical Marquee Tool in Photoshop\" width=\"407\" height=\"137\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Style options for the Elliptical Marquee Tool.<\/div>\n<p>If I choose <strong>Fixed Ratio<\/strong> and set the ratio to 2 to 1:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/elliptical-style-fixed-ratio.png\" alt=\"Setting the Style option to Fixed Ratio for the Elliptical Marquee Tool\" width=\"541\" height=\"108\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the Style to Fixed Ratio and the ratio to 2 to 1.<\/div>\n<p>My selection outline will be twice as wide as it is tall.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-elliptical-selection-fixed-ratio.png\" alt=\"Drawing the elliptical selection outline at the chosen aspect ratio\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Drawing the elliptical selection and the 2:1 ratio.<\/div>\n<p>And if I choose <strong>Fixed Size<\/strong> and I set the <strong>Width<\/strong> to <strong>400 px<\/strong> and the <strong>Height<\/strong> to <strong>300 px<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/elliptical-style-fixed-size.png\" alt=\"Setting the Style option to Fixed Size and entering Width and Height values, in pixels\" width=\"540\" height=\"110\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the Style to Fixed Size and entering Width and Height values.<\/div>\n<p>Then all I need to do is click in the document to draw an elliptical selection at that exact size. Or I can click and drag to reposition the outline before releasing my mouse button.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-elliptical-selection-fixed-size.png\" alt=\"How to draw an elliptical selection outline at a fixed size in Photoshop\" width=\"811\" height=\"511\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click and release to draw the elliptical selection outline at the fixed size.<\/div>\n<p>Again remember to set the Style option back to <strong>Normal<\/strong> when you\u2019re done, otherwise you\u2019ll keep drawing outlines at that fixed size or ratio. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/elliptical-reset-style-normal.png\" alt=\"Resetting the Elliptical Marquee Tool's Style back to Normal\" width=\"341\" height=\"108\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Resetting the Style back to Normal.<\/div>\n<h3>The Feather option<\/h3>\n<p>Lastly, we have the same <strong>Feather<\/strong> option that we had with the Rectangular Marquee Tool, which blurs the selection edges. But unless you know the exact feather amount you need, it\u2019s best to leave it at 0 here. You can adjust it afterwards using something like the Feather option in the Properties panel, which we\u2019ll be looking at again with one of our images.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/elliptical-marquee-tool-feather-option.png\" alt=\"Setting the Style option to Fixed Size and entering Width and Height values, in pixels\" width=\"505\" height=\"104\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Feather option.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Three ways to use the Elliptical Marquee Tool<\/h2>\n<p>That's the basics of drawing selection outlines with the Elliptical Marquee Tool. So let's move on to the images and look at three common ways to use it. <\/p>\n<p>I'll show you how to <strong>crop an image as an elliptical shape<\/strong> and why it's different from cropping with the Rectangular Marquee Tool. Then we'll look at how to <strong>draw two elliptical selection outlines at the same size<\/strong>. And finally, I'll show you how to <strong>create a classic vignette effect<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Cropping an image as an elliptical shape<\/h2>\n<p>We'll start with how to crop an image using the Elliptical Marquee Tool. Earlier we saw that we can use the Rectangular Marquee Tool as a quick way to crop an image. We can do the same thing with the Elliptical Marquee Tool. But instead of cropping as a rectangle or square, we can crop it as an elliptical shape or a circle. <\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll use <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fstock.adobe.com%2Fimages%2Fpretty-curly-african-american-woman-confesses-in-love-makes-heart-gesture-shows-her-true-feelings-has-happy-expression-wears-casual-red-t-shirt-poses-over-pink-background-relationship-concept%2F328746485\" title=\"View image on Adobe Stock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this image<\/a> from Adobe Stock. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/image-1-elliptical-marquee-tool.jpg\" alt=\"The first image that will be used with the Elliptical Marquee Tool tutorial\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The first image.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 1: Draw an elliptical selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>With the Elliptical Marquee Tool active, drag an elliptical selection outline around the area you want to keep. Hold the <strong>spacebar<\/strong> as you drag if you need to reposition the outline, and then release the spacebar to continue dragging.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/drag-elliptical-selection-outline-to-crop-image.jpg\" alt=\"Drawing an elliptical selection outline to use as a crop border.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Drawing an elliptical selection outline to use as a crop border.<\/div>\n<h3>Why cropping with the Elliptical Marquee Tool is different<\/h3>\n<p>But here's why cropping with the Elliptical Marquee Tool is different from using the Rectangular Marquee Tool. If we go up to the <strong>Image<\/strong> menu and choose <strong>Crop<\/strong> like we did with the Rectangular Marquee Tool:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/image-crop-elliptical-selection.png\" alt=\"Selecting Photoshop's Crop command from the Image menu.\" width=\"288\" height=\"262\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Image &gt; Crop.<\/div>\n<p>Then even though our selection outline is elliptical, Photoshop still crops the image as a rectangle. It just uses the top, bottom, left and right of the elliptical outline as the boundaries for the rectangle. <\/p>\n<p>Since that didn't work, I'll undo the crop by pressing <strong>Ctrl+Z<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Command+Z<\/strong> on a Mac.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/image-still-cropped-as-rectangle.jpg\" alt=\"Photoshop uses the elliptical selection edges as the rectangular crop boundaries.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Photoshop uses the elliptical selection edges as the rectangular crop boundaries.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Unlock the Background layer<\/h3>\n<p>When we crop an image as an elliptical shape, what we really want is to delete everything outside the selection and replace it with transparency. <\/p>\n<p>So if your image is on the <strong>Background layer<\/strong>, click the <strong>lock icon<\/strong> to convert it to a normal layer. Background layers don\u2019t support transparency, but normal layers do.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/unlock-background-layer.png\" alt=\"Clicking the Background layer's lock icon to convert it to a normal layer.\" width=\"295\" height=\"240\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click the lock icon to convert the Background layer to a normal layer.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 3: Invert the selection<\/h3>\n<p>Then with your selection outline in place, go up to the <strong>Select<\/strong> menu and choose <strong>Inverse<\/strong>. This selects everything that was outside your selection and deselects everything that was inside.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-inverse.png\" alt=\"How to invert the selection in Photoshop\" width=\"262\" height=\"153\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Select &gt; Inverse.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 4: Press Backspace (Win) \/ Delete (Mac)<\/h3>\n<p>Press the <strong>Backspace<\/strong> key on a PC or the <strong>Delete<\/strong> key on a Mac, and Photoshop deletes everything around the area you initially selected.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/area-around-elliptical-selection-deleted.jpg\" alt=\"The area around the elliptical selection is now filled with transparency.\" width=\"805\" height=\"498\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The area around the initial selection is now filled with transparency.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 5: Remove the selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>Clear the selection outline by going up to the <strong>Select<\/strong> menu and choosing <strong>Deselect<\/strong>, or by pressing <strong>Ctrl+Z<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Command+Z<\/strong> on a Mac.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-deselect.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Deselect command under the Select menu in Photoshop\" width=\"260\" height=\"110\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Select &gt; Deselect.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 6: Trim away the extra space<\/h3>\n<p>Then to crop away all of the extra space, go up to the <strong>Image<\/strong> menu and instead of choosing Crop, choose <strong>Trim<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/image-trim.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Trim command in Photoshop\" width=\"271\" height=\"290\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Image &gt; Trim.<\/div>\n<p>In the Trim dialog box, choose <strong>Transparent Pixels<\/strong> at the top. Make sure <strong>Top<\/strong>, <strong>Bottom<\/strong>, <strong>Left<\/strong> and <strong>Right<\/strong> are all selected, and then click OK.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/trim-dialog-box-settings.png\" alt=\"The Trim dialog box settings\" width=\"296\" height=\"252\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Trim options.<\/div>\n<p>And we're left with the transparency only in the corners.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about cropping an image in a circle, including how to save the file with the transparent background, check out my <a href=\"\/basics\/crop-image-circle-photoshop\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Crop Images in a Circle Shape<\/a> tutorial.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/image-cropped-in-elliptical-shape-photoshop.jpg\" alt=\"An image cropped as an ellipse shape in Photoshop\" width=\"805\" height=\"498\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result after trimming the extra space.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Drawing two elliptical selections at the same size<\/h2>\n<p>I\u2019ll switch over to a different image. And with <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fstock.adobe.com%2Fimages%2Fportrait-of-young-smiling-people-guy-and-girl-20s-in-basic-clothing-posing-together-at-camera-with-happy-look-isolated-over-concrete-gray-wall-indoor%2F212760468\" title=\"View image on Adobe Stock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this image<\/a>, I'll show you how to draw a second selection outline at the same size as the first one.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/second-image-elliptical-marquee-tool.jpg\" alt=\"The second image being used in the Elliptical Marquee Tool tutorial\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The second image.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 1: Draw a circular selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>I want to add a circle around each person's face. So I\u2019ll start with the guy on the left. With the Elliptical Marquee Tool active, I\u2019ll begin dragging an elliptical selection outline around him. Then to force the outline into a circle, I\u2019ll hold the <strong>Shift<\/strong> key on my keyboard and continue dragging.<\/p>\n<p>To reposition the outline so he's centered inside it, I\u2019ll keep the Shift key down and add the <strong>spacebar<\/strong> as I drag. <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/draw-ellliptical-selection-around-face-1.jpg\" alt=\"Drawing a circular selection outline around the man's face with the Elliptical Marquee Tool\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Drawing a circular selection outline around the man's face.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Use the HUD to check the outline's dimensions<\/h3>\n<p>But before I release my mouse button, notice that the <strong>Heads-Up Display<\/strong> is showing the width and height of my selection outline. They\u2019re both <strong>1500 pixels<\/strong>. I want my next selection outline to be the same size. So I\u2019ll remember 1500 pixels and then I\u2019ll release my mouse button, at which point the display disappears.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/heads-up-display.jpg\" alt=\"Viewing the width and height of the selection outline using the Heads-Up Display in Photoshop\" width=\"534\" height=\"379\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Heads-Up Display shows the width and height of the selection outline.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 3: Change the Style to Fixed Size and enter the dimensions<\/h3>\n<p>To draw my next selection at the same size, I\u2019ll change the <strong>Style<\/strong> in the Options Bar from Normal to <strong>Fixed Size<\/strong>. Then I\u2019ll set both the <strong>Width<\/strong> and the <strong>Height<\/strong> to that same <strong>1500 pixels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/change-style-to-fixed-size.png\" alt=\"Changing the Style option for the next selection to Fixed Size and entering an exact width and height\" width=\"542\" height=\"119\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Changing the Style to Fixed Size and entering an exact width and height.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 4: Hold Shift and click to draw the selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>To add my next selection to the existing selection, I\u2019ll hold the <strong>Shift<\/strong> key on my keyboard. Then I\u2019ll <strong>click and hold<\/strong> to instantly draw my second selection outline at the same size as the first one.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/click-to-add-to-elliptical-selection.jpg\" alt=\"Adding the second elliptical selection outline at the same size as the first\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Holding Shift, then clicking and holding to add the next selection at the same size.<\/div>\n<p>With my mouse button still down, I\u2019ll drag to reposition the outline so the woman's face is centered inside it. Then to complete it, I'll release my mouse button.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/drag-second-elliptical-selection-in-place.jpg\" alt=\"Dragging the second selection outline into place before releasing the mouse button\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging the second selection outline into place before releasing the mouse button.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 5: Reset the Style back to Normal<\/h3>\n<p>Before I forget, I'll reset the <strong>Style<\/strong> back to <strong>Normal<\/strong> so I don't keep drawing selections at the same size.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/reset-style-to-normal.png\" alt=\"Resetting the Elliptical Marquee Tool Style back to Normal\" width=\"372\" height=\"147\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Resetting the Style back to Normal.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 6: Copy the selections to a new layer<\/h3>\n<p>Now that both selections are in place, I'll copy them to a new layer above the image by pressing <strong>Ctrl+J<\/strong> on a PC or <strong>Command+J<\/strong> on a Mac.<\/p>\n<p>And if I turn off the Background layer in the Layers panel by clicking its <strong>visibility icon<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/turn-off-background-layer-image-5.png\" alt=\"Turning off the Background layer in the Layers panel\" width=\"335\" height=\"194\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Turning off the Background layer.<\/div>\n<p>We see just the areas I selected.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/two-elliptical-selections-transparent-background.jpg\" alt=\"Viewing only the contents of the new layer\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Viewing only the contents of the new layer.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 7: Add a stroke around the selections<\/h3>\n<p>I'll quickly add a stroke around them by clicking on the top layer in the Layers panel to select it.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-top-layer-image-5.png\" alt=\"Selecting the top layer in the Layers panel\" width=\"295\" height=\"183\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the top layer.<\/div>\n<p>Another way to add a stroke is to click the <strong>fx<\/strong> icon at the bottom of the Layers panel:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/click-fx-icon.png\" alt=\"Clicking the layer effects icon in the Layers panel\" width=\"295\" height=\"90\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the layer effects icon.<\/div>\n<p>And choose <strong>Stroke<\/strong> from the list.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/choose-stroke.png\" alt=\"Adding a Stroke layer effect\" width=\"295\" height=\"240\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Adding a Stroke layer effect.<\/div>\n<p>In the Layer Style dialog box, my stroke <strong>color<\/strong> is already set to <strong>white<\/strong> from when we added one earlier. So with the <strong>Position<\/strong> still set to <strong>Inside<\/strong>, I'll lower the <strong>Size<\/strong> to around <strong>30 pixels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/stroke-options-2.png\" alt=\"The Stroke options in the Layer Style dialog box\" width=\"359\" height=\"279\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Stroke options.<\/div>\n<p>And since both selections are on the same layer, the stroke appears around both.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/circles-around-faces.jpg\" alt=\"The stroke is added around both selections at once.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The stroke is added to both selections at once.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 8: Colorize the rest of the image<\/h3>\n<p>Just for fun, I'll quickly colorize the rest of the image. In the Layers panel, I'll select the <strong>Background layer<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-background-layer-image-5.png\" alt=\"Selecting the Background layer in the Layers panel\" width=\"295\" height=\"232\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the Background layer.<\/div>\n<p>Then I'll click the <strong>New Fill or Adjustment Layer<\/strong> icon:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/click-new-fill-adjustment-layer-icon.png\" alt=\"Clicking the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon in Photoshop's Layers panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"91\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon.<\/div>\n<p>And add a <strong>Hue\/Saturation<\/strong> adjustment layer.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/add-hue-saturation-adjustment-layer.png\" alt=\"Adding a Hue\/Saturation adjustment layer in Photoshop.\" width=\"295\" height=\"280\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing Hue\/Saturation.<\/div>\n<p>The adjustment layer again appears between the Background layer and the top layer, which means it will affect the layer below it but not the layer above it.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/hue-sat-adjustment-layer-above-background.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Layers panel showing the adjustment layer above the Background layer.\" width=\"295\" height=\"250\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The adjustment layer will affect only the Background layer.<\/div>\n<p>In the Properties panel, I'll click the <strong>Colorize<\/strong> option. Then I'll choose a color by dragging the <strong>Hue<\/strong> slider. I'll go with blue by setting the value to <strong>200<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/properties-panel-colorize-hue.png\" alt=\"The Colorize options for the Hue\/Saturation adjustment layer in Photoshop's Properties panel\" width=\"294\" height=\"356\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click Colorize and then dragging the Hue slider.<\/div>\n<p>This colorizes everything outside the circles.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/image-outside-circles-colorized.jpg\" alt=\"The rest of the image is colorized with blue\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The rest of the image is colorized with blue.<\/div>\n<p>And then to fade the color, I'll lower the <strong>Opacity<\/strong> of the adjustment layer to around <strong>60 percent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/lower-layer-opacity.png\" alt=\"Lowering the opacity of the adjustment layer in the Layers panel\" width=\"295\" height=\"300\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Lowering the opacity of the adjustment layer.<\/div>\n<p>And here's the final result. Another effect made easy thanks to the Elliptical Marquee Tool.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/result-opacity-lowered.jpg\" alt=\"A circle selection effect created with the Elliptical Marquee Tool in Photoshop\" width=\"805\" height=\"498\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The final effect.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Creating a classic vignette effect<\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s finish up by looking at a classic use for the Elliptical Marquee Tool, which is to create a vignette effect.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll switch over to my <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fstock.adobe.com%2Fimages%2Fportrait-of-a-wedding-couple-in-a-loft-room%2F155964921\" title=\"View image on Adobe Stock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">final image<\/a>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/third-image-elliptical-marquee-tool.jpg\" alt=\"The image that will be used to create a classic vignette effect in Photoshop\" width=\"804\" height=\"456\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The third image.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 1: Draw an elliptical selection outline<\/h3>\n<p>We want to make sure that the selection outline is centered in the image. So with the Elliptical Marquee Tool active, click in the top left corner of the image to start the selection and drag all the way down to the bottom right.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/drag-elliptical-selection-across-image.jpg\" alt=\"Dragging an elliptical selection outline from the top left to the bottom right of the image.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging an elliptical selection outline from the top left to the bottom right of the image.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Resize the selection outline with Transform Selection<\/h3>\n<p>Then to resize the selection outline, go up to the <strong>Select<\/strong> menu and choose <strong>Transform Selection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-transform-selection.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Transform Selection command in Photoshop.\" width=\"256\" height=\"129\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Select &gt; Transform Selection.<\/div>\n<p>Hold the <strong>Alt<\/strong> key on a PC or the <strong>Option<\/strong> key on a Mac to resize the selection outline from its center and drag one of the handles inward to make the outline a bit smaller, leaving room around the edges for the border.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/transform-elliptical-selection.jpg\" alt=\"Resizing the elliptical selection outline with Photoshop's Transform Selection command\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Hold Alt (Win) \/ Option (Mac) and drag a handle to resize the selection outline from its center.<\/div>\n<p>Click the checkmark in the Options Bar to accept.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/click-checkmark-options-bar.png\" alt=\"Clicking the checkmark in the Options Bar to close Transform Selection\" width=\"463\" height=\"112\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the checkmark to close the Transform Selection command.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 3: Invert the selection<\/h3>\n<p>At the moment, we have the couple in the center selected. But what we need is to have everything around them selected, which means we need to invert the selection. So go up to the <strong>Select<\/strong> menu and choose <strong>Inverse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-inverse-command.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Inverse command from the Select menu in Photoshop\" width=\"256\" height=\"156\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Select &gt; Inverse.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 4: Add a Solid Color fill layer<\/h3>\n<p>Add a Solid Color fill layer above the image by going up to the <strong>Layer<\/strong> menu, choosing <strong>New Fill Layer<\/strong> and then <strong>Solid Color<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/add-solid-color-fill-layer.png\" alt=\"Adding a Solid Color fill layer above the image\" width=\"369\" height=\"325\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to Layer &gt; New Fill Layer &gt; Solid Color.<\/div>\n<p>Accept the default layer name and click OK.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/new-fill-dialog-box.png\" alt=\"Click OK to close the New Layer dialog box\" width=\"432\" height=\"165\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click OK to close the New Layer dialog box.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 5: Choose white as the fill color<\/h3>\n<p>By default, Photoshop uses black as the fill color. But it also opens the Color Picker so we can choose a different color.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/default-black-fill-color.jpg\" alt=\"The Solid Color fill layer is added with black as the fill color\" width=\"805\" height=\"498\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Solid Color fill layer fills the edges with black.<\/div>\n<p>Choose <strong>white<\/strong> in the Color Picker and then click OK.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/choose-white-color-picker.jpg\" alt=\"Changing the fill color to white in Photoshop's Color Picker\" width=\"543\" height=\"410\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Changing the fill color to white.<\/div>\n<p>Here's the result with the edges now filled with white.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/solid-color-fill-layer-white.jpg\" alt=\"The result using white as the fill color.\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result using white as the fill color.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 6: Select the layer mask thumbnail<\/h3>\n<p>In the Layers panel, the Solid Color fill layer was added above the image. And Photoshop used our selection outline to create a <a href=\"\/basics\/understanding-photoshop-layer-masks\/\" title=\"Learn more\">layer mask<\/a>. The white area on the mask is where the fill layer is visible. The black area is where we can see the image through it.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/select-layer-mask-thumbnail-image-6.png\" alt=\"Photoshop converted the selection outline into a layer mask for the fill layer.\" width=\"295\" height=\"243\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The selection outline was converted to a layer mask for the fill layer.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 7: Drag the Feather slider to soften the edges<\/h3>\n<p>To soften the edges and create the final vignette effect, go to the <strong>Properties panel<\/strong> and drag the <strong>Feather<\/strong> slider to the desired amount.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/increase-feather-amount-properties-panel.png\" alt=\"Softening the edges of the vignette with the Feather slider in Photoshop's Properties panel\" width=\"295\" height=\"363\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Softening the edges with the Feather slider.<\/div>\n<p>And here, after softening the edges, is my final vignette effect.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/basics\/2022\/rectangular-elliptical-marquee-tool\/photoshop-vignette-effect.jpg\" alt=\"A classic vignette effect created in Photoshop\" width=\"803\" height=\"496\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The final result.<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-bottom { width:300px; padding-top:16px;padding-bottom:16px; }\n<\/style><div align=\"center\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- 300x250 page bottom responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-bottom\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"2879809098\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n\t data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<p>And there we have it! Up next, we'll look at how to draw freeform selections in Photoshop using the <a href=\"\/basics\/selections\/lasso-tool\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Lasso Tools<\/a>. Or check out my <a href=\"\/basics\/\" title=\"More Photoshop Basics tutorials\">Photoshop Basics<\/a> section for more topics. And don't forget, all of my tutorials are now available to <a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\" title=\"Learn more\">download as PDFs<\/a>!<\/p>\n<div class=\"members-ad\"><a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\">Get all of our Photoshop tutorials as PDFs!<\/a> Download them today!<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New to Photoshop&#8217;s selection tools? Start here! Learn how to make basic selections using the Rectangular Marquee Tool and the Elliptical Marquee Tool, and how to combine basic selections into more complex shapes!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32262,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32214","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basics"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Drawing Selections with the Marquee Selection Tools in Photoshop<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This tutorial shows you how to draw selections in Photoshop using the Rectangular Marquee Tool and the Elliptical Marquee Tool.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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