Snap to image edges using Magnetic Lasso tool

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn to use the Magnetic Lasso tool in Adobe Photoshop to snap selection borders to the edges of clearly defined areas in an image.

The Magnetic Lasso tool in Photoshop lets you create precise selections with ease. As you trace along an object’s edge, the tool snaps the selection border to defined areas, making it useful for complex outlines against high-contrast backgrounds. This tool isn’t available for 32-bit images.

Select the Magnetic Lasso tool from the toolbar.

Select one of the selection modes in the Options bar.

Options bar displays selection modes and the Current Tool Only checkbox is selected.
Select the Current Tool Only checkbox.

Set the following settings in the Options bar.

  • Feather: Soften the edges of a selection by gradually fading it into the surrounding pixels.
  • Anti-alias: Smooth the selection boundary by blending the edge pixels with the background.
  • Width: Define how far the tool detects edges from the pointer.
  • Contrast: Adjust the tool’s sensitivity to edge differences in the image.
  • Frequency: Control how often fastening points are automatically placed.

Select Use tablet pressure to change pen width to reduce edge width with increased pen pressure when using a stylus.

Select in the image to set the first fastening point, then drag along the edge you want to trace.

Select to add fastening points manually if the border doesn't snap to the desired edge.

Press Delete to remove recently added segments or fastening points if needed.

Close the selection border by selecting back at the starting point when the circular icon appears. If you're not at the starting point, double-click or press Ctrl + click (Windows) or Command + click (macOS) to close the selection.

Tip

Press Caps Lock to change the lasso pointer so that it indicates the lasso width. You can change the pointer while the tool is selected, but not in use. Press the right bracket ] key to increase the Magnetic Lasso edge width by 1 pixel and press the left bracket [ key to decrease the width by 1 pixel.

On an image with well-defined edges, try a higher width and contrast setting and trace the border roughly. For softer edges, use a lower width and contrast and trace more precisely.