Quick Mask Mode

Quick mask mode is a selection based on "masking" the desired portion of an image, like making a stencil. It is useful when the object to be selected is difficult to separate from the background.

1. Open an image.
2. Make a selection using the Magic Wand. Add to the selection by holding down the "Shift" key.

3. At the bottom of the toolbox under the default Black and White color boxes, you will find the Standard Mode and Quick Mask Mode boxes. Click on the Quick Mask Mode box.

 

4. In the areas where you have not selected, the Quick Mask will add a reddish color. You will be able to see where the selection you made with the Magic Wand is not complete.

5. Select a paint brush with a hard edge. The size of the brush depends on the area you are going to paint or mask. Keep white color as foreground and start painting the areas you want to add to your selection. "Painting" with white will cause the red areas to disappear, thus adding to your selection.

6. If you paint outside the area, switch to black as foreground color. This will add to the red color and decrease the size of your selection.

7. When you are finished painting, click the "Edit in Standard Mode" button. Th red color will be replaced by a normal selection of "marching ants".

8. You can drag your selection onto another canvas. Or you can invert the selection Select>Inverse and then delete the background.