Control the movement of a selection

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn to control selection movement with constrained angles and pixel-precise nudging in Adobe Photoshop.

Note

Before you begin: Select the Move tool to reposition your selection on the canvas.

Select the Select <insert icon here> tool and then select the area you want to move.

Select the Move tool to reposition your selection on the canvas. To move the selected area, do one of the following:

  • Constrain the direction to multiples of 45° by beginning to drag, then holding Shift while you continue to drag.
  • Move the selection in 1-pixel increments by pressing an arrow key.
  • Move the selection in 10-pixel increments by holding Shift and pressing an arrow key.