Moving and transforming pixel selections

Once a selection has been made, it can be moved and transformed in a variety of ways.

Moving and transforming a selection and its contents

If you have a selection in place, you can move and transform it, and the pixels it encompasses, using the Move Tool. Furthermore, with the Move Tool active, the Transform panel can also be used for precision working.

Moving and transforming a selection only

If you're looking to reposition a selection, but leave the pixel content untouched, you can use the Marquee tools. However, if you wish to transform your selection while leaving the pixel content untouched, you need to enter Quick Mask mode. Once in Quick Mask mode, you can resize, reposition, rotate or shear a selection using the Move Tool or Transform panel.

Move Tool To move and transform a selection and the pixels it encompasses:
  1. With a selection in place, select the Move Tool.
  2. Resize, reposition, rotate or shear the selection on the page using the displayed handles or, for precision, use the settings on the Transform panel. The pixels within the selection will be moved and transformed to match the new selection.
Rectangular Marquee Tool Elliptical Marquee Tool Column Marquee Tool Row Marquee Tool Freehand Selection To move a pixel selection (leaving pixel unaffected):
  1. With a selection in place, select a marquee selection tool or the Freehand Selection Tool.
  2. Drag inside the selection.
Quick Mask Move Tool To transform a selection (leaving pixel unaffected):
  1. Do one of the following:
    • Press Q.
    • On the Toolbar, click Toggle Quick Mask.
    • From the Select menu, select Edit Selection as Layer.
  2. Select the Move Tool.
  3. Resize, reposition, rotate or shear the selection on the page using the displayed handles or, for precision, use the settings on the Transform panel.
  4. Repeat step 1 to exit Quick Mask mode and display the selection as a marquee.

SEE ALSO: