Clean up stray pixels in a color-based selection

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Use the Smooth command to remove stray pixels and soften jagged edges of a selection in Adobe Photoshop.

Make a selection using any selection tool.

Select Select > Modify > Smooth.

Enter a pixel value between 1 and 100 for Sample Radius.

Select OK.

Photoshop examines the pixels around each selected pixel to a distance specified in the radius. If more than half of the surrounding pixels are selected, the pixel remains, and unselected neighbours are added. If fewer than half are selected, the pixel is removed. This reduces patchiness and smooths sharp corners or jagged lines in the selection.