Using thumbnails and modifier keys to modify pixel selections

With a bitmap selected, you can create a pixel selection on that bitmap using the opacity of any object or mask in the Layers panel. For more information about the Layers panel, see Working with layers.

To create or replace a pixel selection on a selected bitmap using the opacity of an object:

1. In the Layers panel, position the pointer over the thumbnail of the object you want to use to create the pixel selection.
2. Hold down Control (Windows) or Command (Macintosh).

   The pointer changes to indicate you are about to select the alpha channel, or the opaque area, of the object.

3. Click the thumbnail.

   A new pixel selection is created on the selected bitmap.

To add to the current pixel selection:

• Control-Shift-click (Windows) or Command-Shift-click (Macintosh) the thumbnail of an object in the Layers panel to add the shape of its opaque area to the current pixel selection.

  TIP

  When you position the pointer over the thumbnail and hold down the specified modifier keys, the pointer indicates that you are about to add to the pixel selection.

To subtract from the current pixel selection:

• Control-Alt-click (Windows) or Command-Option-click (Macintosh) the thumbnail of an object in the Layers panel to subtract the shape of its opaque area from the current pixel selection.

  TIP

  When you position the pointer over the thumbnail and hold down the specified modifier keys, the pointer indicates that you are about to subtract from the pixel selection.

To create a pixel selection on a selected bitmap from the intersection of overlapping objects:

1. Control-click (Windows) or Command-click (Macintosh) an object's thumbnail to select its alpha channel, or opaque area.
2. Control-Shift-Alt-click (Windows) or Command-Shift-Option-click (Macintosh) another object.

   A pixel selection is created on the selected bitmap from the intersection of the opaque areas of the two overlapping objects.

   TIP

   When you position the pointer over the thumbnail and hold down the specified modifier keys, the pointer indicates that you are about to create a pixel selection from the intersection of the opaque areas of two overlapping objects.