UNIT 4 > MODULE 4

Lesson 2: Selection Tools

Overview

In this lesson, you will be introduced to the various selection tools that are common in many graphics programs. You will then use each of these tools to cut out various objects from their backgrounds. Finally, you will learn how to feather the edges of a selection to create a more gentle looking edge.

Learner Outcomes

At the completion of this exercise, you will be able to:

• utilize the basic marquee and other selection tools to cut out objects or isolate them from their backgrounds
• feather the edges of a selection

Activities

1. First, read Selection Tools to get an overview of different selection tools common in graphics programs. Your instructor will demonstrate how to use the selection tools in the software application being used.
2. Next, open up the image selection_practice.jpg and, following the direction in Selection Tools, use the different tools to extract the objects from their backgrounds.
3. Once you have made your selection, copy the selection and paste it into a new layer. When you are done, you should have a cutout of each of the objects on their own layer. You will use these images later to design a practice web banner.

Resources/Online Documents

• Selection Tools
• selection_practice.jpg

All done?

Save the project file with the cutout images that you made. These images will be used again in Lesson 3.

Copyright © 2006 by University of Washington. Permission is granted to copy these materials for educational, noncommercial purposes provided the source is acknowledged. This product was funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education (grant #H133D010306). However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume their endorsement.