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Adjust a selection manually
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn how to add to or subtract from an existing pixel selection using selection tools in Adobe Photoshop.
Before you begin
Before adjusting a selection, set the Feather and Anti-aliasing values in the Options bar to match those used in the original selection.
Add to a selection
Using any selection tool, do one of the following:
- Select Add to selection in the Options bar and drag to include more areas.
- Hold down Shift and drag to add to the selection.
A plus sign appears next to the pointer when adding to a selection.
Subtract from a selection
Make a selection.
Using any selection tool, do one of the following:
- Select Subtract from selection in the Options bar and drag to remove areas.
- Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and drag to subtract.
A minus sign appears next to the pointer when subtracting from a selection.
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