According to PS-CS3 for dummies , when using the lasso tool , if you press and hold the option key while dragging you will temporarily switch to polygon lasso tool . I have tried this several times and and it will not work . What am i doing wrong ? I can select several lines that are at different angles but when it comes to curves in the same image all i get is straight lines . I know there are other tools but I trying to learn this tool now . Thanks for help .
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lasso tool
- Thread starter DELINDA
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You have to press and hold the mouse button for the lasso tool, press and hold option, release the mouse button and it will switch it to the polygonal tool. 
If your using the Lasso Tool you have to keep the mouse button held down as you draw if you release the mouse button it will auto complete the selection with a straight line.
As you mentioned if you push alt you can release the mouse button and click again wherever you want a point by using the Polygonal Lasso Tool. If you want to jump back to the regular lasso hold the mouse button down again and press alt again.
I realize your trying to learn the lasso tool but personally for selcetions I would suggest learning the pen tool much more control and you can save and edit the selection later easily. My two cents.
As you mentioned if you push alt you can release the mouse button and click again wherever you want a point by using the Polygonal Lasso Tool. If you want to jump back to the regular lasso hold the mouse button down again and press alt again.
I realize your trying to learn the lasso tool but personally for selcetions I would suggest learning the pen tool much more control and you can save and edit the selection later easily. My two cents.
lasso tool
Thanks , again . I am also using a Wacom bamboo CTE 450 to do these things . I know i can use the pen tool but I must conquer the lasso first . Developing a knowledge of all the tools will give me an arsenal from which to choose .I work with PS so as to exercise my mind . I enjoy creating but at my age the learning process is slow and frustrating . Still ,very exciting .
Thanks , again . I am also using a Wacom bamboo CTE 450 to do these things . I know i can use the pen tool but I must conquer the lasso first . Developing a knowledge of all the tools will give me an arsenal from which to choose .I work with PS so as to exercise my mind . I enjoy creating but at my age the learning process is slow and frustrating . Still ,very exciting .
I commend you for learning an aspect of the program, and using a tablet to boot. You'd be surrprised how many designers I know that have never used one.
Also, while focusing on the lasso tool, make sure to learn the magnetic lasso tool.
I am a little biased when it comes to the selction methods. Once you learn the lasso tool I would recommend learning the pen tool as it can help expand your "arsenal" by helping you learn Illustrator.
Also, while focusing on the lasso tool, make sure to learn the magnetic lasso tool.
I am a little biased when it comes to the selction methods. Once you learn the lasso tool I would recommend learning the pen tool as it can help expand your "arsenal" by helping you learn Illustrator.