Tool tip – Using Quick Mask

One of the most accurate ways of making complex selections is to use Quick Mask mode. Don’t draw your selections – paint them!

Everyone knows that the Pen tool reigns supreme when it comes to making precise selections, but you don’t have to feel lost if you have yet to make friends with this tool powerhouse. The Quick Mask tool is another excellent way of making tricky selections, and the fact it is controlled by a brush means it doesn’t involve a lot of attempts before you master the technique.

We’re using it for a very straightforward selection here but as you get more used to it, why not try using one of the more ornate brushes for decorative selections? It’s the digital version of novelty scissors!

Step 01 – Access Quick Mask

Either hit the Quick Mask button at the base of the toolbar or press ‘Q’ on the keyboard to activate Quick Mask mode. Next, choose the Brush tool and ensure your foreground colour is black. Set the brush Opacity to 100%. Now simply start to paint over the object you wish to select. Alter the brush size to make sure you don’t go over the edges.

Step 2 – Making corrections

Oopsie! It appears we didn’t listen to our own advice and used a brush that was too big. It’s caused us to go over the edges. Not to worry – if you make a mistake and paint over the edge of the object, simply change the Foreground colour to white and paint again to remove the red overlay from that area. Just remember to switch back to black when you want to carry on selecting.

Step 3 – Brush variations

For selections that will have a soft edge around them, just paint with a soft brush instead of a hard one. To select tiny details, use a very small brush and zoom well into the image. When done, hit ‘Q’ to exit Quick Mask and generate the selection.

Quick Mask trick

By default, when you exit Quick Mask mode, Photoshop selects the areas outside the area you painted over with black. To change this, double-click the Quick Mask button and choose Selected Areas instead of Masked Areas.