Four sets of tools can be used to select parts of a document. The settings for each tool can be adjusted in the Options Bar. When making a selection, ensure the correct layer is selected in the Layers panel. Holding the Shift key when using these tools will allow multiple areas to be selected. Using a combination of these tools may be required to select the desired region. Selections will be outlined with a black-and-white marching ants border.

Rectangular/Elliptical Marquee: click-and-drag to select an area, in either a rectangular or elliptical shape.

Object Selection tool (new in Photoshop 2020): click-and-drag the entire area that contains a desired object/element. This tool will attempt to detect the edges of the object and select it. Use the Quick Selection tool to modify the selection as necessary (see the next section for more details).

Quick Selection: the most commonly used selection tool. Similar to the Magic Wand tool, but also looks for similar textures and detects edges (more details below). 

Magic Wand: selects pixels of similar tone and color. Not recommended when selecting an object/area that has a variety of colors.

Lasso: draw a freeform shape around the desired object/element. When closed, the selection will be made in the drawn shape.

Alternatively, to select the main object/element, navigate to Select > Subject. This method is more effective in portraits and simple images. Use the Quick Selection tool to modify the selection as necessary (see the next section for more details).

Tools that assist with area selection, such as Magic Wand and Quick Selection, work best when the main content is on a simple background such as a green screen. If the background is complex, the selection process may take a long time.

The Quick Selection tool can be used to select specific objects. It selects pixels based on their color, tone, and texture, and can detect edges.

To use the Quick Selection tool, click to select part of the desired object/area. Click again as needed to select the rest of the object/area. Alternatively, click-and-drag the cursor to quickly select larger areas. 

Below are basic functions and tips for the Quick Selection tool: