Select the Count tool from the toolbar, grouped with the Eyedropper tool.
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Count objects in images
Last updated on
Oct 4, 2026
Use click-counting or selection methods to quantify image elements and record totals in the Measurement Log.
Counting objects in images helps you quantify elements for scientific analysis, inventory management, quality control, or data collection workflows. Adobe Photoshop offers two counting approaches that record results to the Measurement Log for tracking and export.
Use the Count tool for manual click-to-count workflows when objects are visually distinct but vary in color or shape. Use automatic counting with selections when objects share similar colors and contrast well against their background. Both methods require enabling the Count data point before recording measurements.
The Count tool tracks each click you make on an image and displays numbered markers at each location. You can create multiple count groups to organize different object types within the same image, each with customizable colors and marker sizes. Count markers remain editable and are saved with your document.
Automatic counting uses selection tools to identify and count discrete areas based on color similarity. This method works best with uniform objects that stand out from their surroundings, such as cells in microscopy images or products on conveyor belts.
Count objects manually with the Count tool
In the options bar, configure your count group settings by selecting an existing group from the Count Group menu or creating a new one using the folder icon.
Set the Color, Marker Size (1-10), and Label Size (8-72) for your count markers.
Click each object in your image to add numbered count markers. Shift-drag to constrain marker movement horizontally or vertically when repositioning.
Select Analysis > Select Data Points > Custom and enable the Count data point in the Count Tool area.
Select Window > Measurement Log to open the log panel.
Select Analysis > Record Measurements or select Record Measurements in the Measurement Log panel to save your count data.
Tip
Select View > Show > Count to toggle count marker visibility. Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) any marker to remove it and update the total count.
The Measurement Log stores all recorded counts with document names, timestamps, and scale information. Each count group maintains its own running total and appears as a separate entry when recorded. For detailed information about configuring the Measurement Log and setting measurement scales, see Use the measurement log for performing measurements.
Count objects automatically using selections
Select the Magic Wand tool or select Select > Color Range to create your selection method.
Create a selection that includes all objects you want to count. For Magic Wand, adjust Tolerance to optimize object selection and deselect Anti-alias and Contiguous. For Color Range, adjust Fuzziness and Selected Colors to refine selected areas.
Select Analysis > Select Data Points > Custom.
In the Selections area, enable the Count data point and select OK.
Select Window > Measurement Log to open the log panel if not already visible.
Switch to any tool other than the Count tool, then select Analysis > Record Measurements or select Record Measurements in the Measurement Log panel.
Note
When recording counts from selections, ensure you've switched away from the Count tool or the Record Measurements option won't be available.
Adobe Photoshop counts each discrete selection area and records the total in the Count column. Multiple selection areas create one summary row showing cumulative data, followed by individual rows for each area. Each selection area is listed as a separate feature in the Label column and assigned a unique number.
For advanced selection techniques using the Magic Wand tool or Color Range command, see Select areas by color with the Magic Wand tool.
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