Add to a Selection with the Pen Tool in Photoshop
The Pen Tool lets you create clean, adjustable paths that can be turned into selections. You can also add more regions to an existing selection using additional subpaths. Follow these steps to build, add to, and refine a Pen-based selection.
Step-by-step instructions
Set up the Pen Tool for paths
Select the Pen Tool (P). In the Options bar, choose Path (not Shape).
Set Path Operations to Combine Shapes (adds new subpaths).
Enable Rubber Band (optional) and Auto Add/Delete for easier editing.
Create the initial path and selection
Click to add anchor points around your subject; click‑drag to create curves.
Close the path by clicking the first anchor point.
Right‑click → Make Selection; set Feather Radius (e.g., 0–2 px), Operation: New Selection → OK.
Add to the selection with a new subpath
With the Pen Tool active, ensure Path Operations is Combine Shapes (or hold Shift while drawing).
Draw a new subpath around the area you want to include.
Right‑click inside the new path → Make Selection; set Operation: Add to Selection → OK.
Refine and adjust
Use the Add Anchor Point Tool (+) and Delete Anchor Point Tool (−) to fine‑tune the path.
Use the Convert Point Tool to change a corner to a curve (and vice versa).
To modify edge softness, go to Select → Modify → Feather or use Select and Mask.
