Adobe Lasso Tools
- The lasso tools are available at the top of the "Toolbar" window in Adobe Photoshop. The default lasso icon appears as a rope lasso. Users right-click on this lasso to expand the toolbar and reveal the other lasso choices. One click will activate another lasso once it is highlighted.
- The lasso tool freely moves around and highlights any section of a photo. The lasso makes it final connection when it reaches the start point or when the mouse is clicked twice. A lasso starts when the left mouse is clicked and held down. The user moves the mouse until the selection is made. Once the mouse click is let go, the pattern forms and appears on the screen. A new lasso will automatically clear the last lasso created on a photo.
- The "Polygonal Lasso" tool uses edges to highlight areas. A single click starts the point and then the mouse is dragged to form a line. Once the correct direction and size is set, another click forms that line. A new straight forms after that line and continues until a connection is made or the mouse is double clicked. This tool is ideal for highlighting boxes or objects like buildings and cars.
- The "Magnetic Lasso Tool" uses colors and shadows to generate a selection area. At the start point, the user clicks the left mouse button down. As the cursor moves around the screen, the magnetic lasso conforms to similar sections. The final selection is made when the start and end points meet or the mouse is double-clicked. This is for highlighting objects like eyes, signs or full bodies of people.
- Every lasso tool comes with the option to "Refine Edge." The icon is located at the top of the screen and here users can make it so the selection is not so harsh and blends in easier. The feather adjustment blurs the outer edges so it does not appear too sharp. The "Smooth" tool works with the feather to remove sharp pixels and blend them in more. Playing around with these tools can help a user perfect the use of the lasso and make her selections look professional.