magnetic tool bopping around

[Arlee]

:evil: Oh, this makes me crazy! I use the magnetic tool often, but I cannot keep the picture from moving all over the editor when I am using it. It takes me too long to get it to hold still so I can select. How can I fill the page with the picture or do something else to keep the picture still while I am using the Magnetic tool? It is the only tool I have this problem with. Does this make sense?

[Wendy]

Hi Arlee ...

... Oh I do know what you mean. This tool is one that I just can't get the hang of using ... no matter what I do it flies off all over the place.

I gave up in the end and switched to the ordinary lasso :)


Wendy

[MikeH]

Arlee,

The Magnetic Lasso is the selection tool is use most (well Pre PSE4 anyway). Here are some tips:

:arrow: Go fairly slowly around the outline...

:arrow: The tool gets fooled by defined lines that join or overlap the object you are selecting. So insert your own points if necessary by left clicking.

:arrow: If you or the tool makes a mistake, just hit Backspace to undo the last point.

:arrow: When you come to a corner or point where you need to change direction, insert a point manually.

:arrow: If you need to move the picture, press and hold the Spacebar, which temporarily selects the hand tool.

Mike

[Pauline]

Personally, I prefer the selection brush. The magnetic lasso drives me crazy and for me it's not worth the trouble!!

[GaryK]

I like everything :lol: :lol:

I do use the magnetic lasso quite a bit. I then use the selection brush to tidy up. Now I am getting better at the regualr lasso still crap though :lol: but I find it easier with the tablet.

[bayhli]

Good thread Arlee ...I like the magnetic lasso actually, but I run into the same problem with the image seemingly "moving" from side to side and the lasso out of control all over the grey work space. It could drive you beserk! And try getting it to turn off to stop the whole process ...not going to happen!

What has worked for me is to make sure the image you are working on is maximized - seems to root everything in place. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that that is the whole of the solution as it still happens to me intermittently.

Thanks for the pointers Mike, especially the backspace ...I must try the selection brush, never have.

[Arlee]

Thanks everyone. I now know this is unpreventable all the time. I will use the helpful tips, though, :) this forum is the greatest, I couldn't do this without all of you.