PhotoPlus X2 User Guide - Serif

Manipulating Images 47
For Rectangle and Ellipse Selection tools, the Context toolbar additionally lets you
set a Fixed Size or Fixed Aspect, or number of Rows or Columns (Rectangle
Selection Tool only) in advance of creating your selection—great if you have a clear
idea of the selection area required!
You may want to uncheck Antialias on the Context toolbar to produce more
jagged selection edges—however default operation will always smooth edges.
The Text Selection Tool lets you create a selection in the form of text. Click
with the tool to display the Text cursor. Type your text, format as needed, and click
OK.
Using the Magnetic Selection Tool
The Magnetic Selection Tool makes it easy to
isolate part of an image where there's already a bit of an
edge showing. You simply trace around the edge, and
PhotoPlus snaps the selection marquee to the nearest
dramatic colour change.
To use the Magnetic Selection tool:
1. Click once on the image to place a starting node along an edge.
2. With the mouse button, trace along the edge; the marquee line follows the
nearest edge. At regular distances, nodes automatically appear along the line.
Only the portion of the line beyond the last node remains adjustable.
On the Context toolbar, you can adjust the tool's Frequency (distance between
automatic nodes) and Contrast (edge sensitivity) for best results. As a shortcut,
press the up and down arrow keys (or use your mouse's spinwheel) to adjust the
contrast setting on the fly.
1. To add a node manually (for example, at a corner), click once.
2. To back up, press Delete to undo recent nodes one at a time; repeat as needed.
To clear the marquee and start over, press Esc.
3. To temporarily switch to the Polygon selection tool, hold down the Ctrl key.
4. To close the selection region, double-click or click again on the starting node.