6. The Tools in the Toolbox / 6.3 Tools for Image Layers
6.3.7 The Quick Selection Tool 
The
Quick Selection tool is a semi-automatic tool for creating cut-out
masks for objects. It has several subtools:
Define
Bounds
- This tool is used for creating a rectangle, that encloses the object. After
that Mark Object will be activated.
Mark
Object
- With Mark Object you can mark the parts of the image, that belong to
the object. These parts are shown yellow.
Mark
Background
- With Mark Background you can mark the parts of the image, that belong
to the background. These parts are shown red. You can quickly access
this tool by holding Shift.
Despeckle
- If
Despeckle is active, small speckles in the newly created selection will
be deleted automatically. Speckles are areas that are only a few pixels in
size.
Erase
Marks
- If you have placed wrong marks in your image, you can use Erase Marks
to remove them. You can access this tool quickly by holding Alt. You
can use the right mouse button, too, if you have configured PhotoLine
that way (see chapter 7.10.1.21 Clear with right mouse button).
Erase
- All
current Quick Selection marks will be deleted. After that Define
Bounds will be activated.
You use the Quick Selection tool in two steps. First you create a rectangle
enclosing the object. PhotoLine will then automatically start computing a
first proposal for the cut-out mask. This may last from a few seconds up to
more than a minute depending on the speed of your computer, the size of
the image and the complexity of the object. In the second step you
repeatedly place object and background marks, until you are satisfied with
the result.
The Quick Selection tool can enhance the edge of the created selection to
adapt it to the unsharpness of the object. Edge Width controls the width of
enhancement.
Tips for using the Quick Selection tool efficiently:
- If an object fills nearly the whole image, you should create a smaller
rectangle with Define Bounds. Afterward remove the wrong marks with
Erase Marks.
- Like written above computing a proposal can last quite a while. But
meanwhile you shouldn't wait, instead you should mark the object and
the background with a large brush. This will enhance the result and
reduce the computing time.
- Switch tools by using the modifier keys: Shift for Mark Background,
Alt or the right mouse button for Erase Marks.
- While enhancing the result, you often have to change the brush size.
This is done most quickly by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command
(macOS) while dragging the mouse.
- You may often need to change the zoom factor of your document for
detailed work. You can do this very quickly by using the mouse wheel
while holding Ctrl (Window) or Command (macOS). This way you can
zoom to a certain location very fast.
- Use the Magnifier (chapter 4.29). The mode Selection will show you,
what the cut-out object will look like.