The general selection

If you don't particularly want a precise selection for your object, then the lasso tools are the ones to use. Hold down your mouse button on the lasso-looking tool in the tool bar to see the options as shown below.

• The lasso tool is used for drawing freehand selections around your image whilst holding down your mouse key. You can make straight edges by holding down the 'Alt' (Windows) or 'Option' (Mac OS). If you let go of the mouse button, the selection will automatically link itself with the starting point.
• The second option along on the popout menu is the polygonal lasso tool. Click from point to point to make straight line selections until you meet back with your starting point. If you double click anywhere away from your starting point, then the line will automatically join up.
• The final option is the magnetic lasso tool. This one has a mind of its own and is easier to make more precise selections when you have a distinctive high resolution image to make a selection of, on a relatively tame background. You have to play with this one to believe it, but I certainly don't rely on it. Give it a try...

Remember that whilst using any of the above tools, you can always add to your selection by holding down the 'shift' key and subtract from it by holding down the 'alt' key.