Lasso tools

[hudakore]

Is there a way to switch Lasso Tool types while using them? Sometimes I want to start out using the Magnetic tool but may want to switch to the Polygonal tool for straight lines and then back to the Magnetic tool in the same operation. Can this be done back and forth or do I have to complete the selection with one tool before using the next?

[douglas m scott]

Hudakore,

This site may help.
http://www.photokaboom.com/photography/learn/Photoshop_Elements/selection_tools/selection_tool_descriptions/1_selection_tool_descriptions.htm

Scroll down to Mixed: Edges and Curves.

doug

[Kitsap Guy]

Doug -

Thanks for the lead to this site. It seems to only let you go back and forth between the lasso and polygonal lasso tools, but no others. I could begin with the magnetic lasso and go from there to the lasso, but could not get back to the magnetic lasso.

But something's better than nothing, right?

Lon

[hudakore]

I had the same problem but there are lots of other valuable tips on that page and I've saved it in My Favorites.

[Sepiana]

. . .I could begin with the magnetic lasso and go from there to the lasso, but could not get back to the magnetic lasso.
Lon

Hi,

To switch between the Magnetic Lasso and other lasso tools when the Magnetic Lasso tool is selected, do this:

- To activate the Lasso tool -- Alt-drag.
- To activate the Polygonal Lasso tool -- Alt-click.

To return to the Magnetic Lasso tool, do the following:

- When you are done with the Lasso or Polygonal Lasso, click and release the Alt key -- you're back to the Magnetic Lasso.

[Kitsap Guy]

To return to the Magnetic Lasso tool, do the following:

- When you are done with the Lasso or Polygonal Lasso, click and release the Alt key -- you're back to the Magnetic Lasso.


Thanks, Sepiana...

Very odd, but it didn't work for me. But then, by trial and error, I found something that did get the magnetic lasso back: just clicking the mouse.

Very strange, but at least it works. Thanks for getting my motor started...

Lon

[Sepiana]

Hi Lon,

I'm sorry. My instructions were a bit fuzzy. I went back and tried it again. This is exactly what I did and I guarantee you -- it works!:)

1. Drag the Magnetic Lasso.
2. Stop and hold the mouse down.
3. Press and hold the Alt key (now you have the Polygonal Lasso).
4. Drag the Polygonal Lasso.
5. Stop and hold mouse down.
6. Release the Alt key (you're back to the Magnetic Lasso).

Please let me know if it works.

[Kitsap Guy]

Sepiana -

Yes, works fine, and thanks for following up. The basic setup that I think I've 'divined' is: Hold down

Alt only = polygonal lasso
Mouse only = magnetic lasso
Alt and mouse = lasso

The main problem I've run into with this is changing directions while still on the polygonal lasso. It seems you have to make at least one small move in the new direction with one of the other two tools before you can shift back to the polygonal lasso. Sometimes this results in the line (going in the new direction) not being exactly straight. But at least this provides a lot of flexibility that I had not enjoyed up till now. Thank you again,

Lon

[Sepiana]

Lon,

You're most welcome! I'm glad it worked. And you're right -- the key is how to coordinate holding down the mouse and Alt.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Magnetic Lasso seems to have a mind of its own. Have you noticed how it can get into a snarl easily? I learnt (the hard way) that in order to keep it on a leash, one has to go more slowly when dragging it. This is what PSE7: The Missing Manual (p. 138) says about it:

You get better results with the Magnetic Lasso if you go more slowly than if you speed around the object. Like most people, the Magnetic Lasso does better work if you give it time to be sure where it's going.

[Kitsap Guy]

Lon,

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Magnetic Lasso seems to have a mind of its own. Have you noticed how it can get into a snarl easily? I learnt (the hard way) that in order to keep it on a leash, one has to go more slowly when dragging it.
Definitely. What seems to work best for me is to drag just a tad outside of the actual border and allow it to snap. If I try to follow the border exactly, then sometimes it sneaks inside and cuts off part of the selection. Slower that way, but more effective. Thanks again.