Creating path-based selections

You can create path-based selections that are rectangular or oval. If you need more flexibility, you can create freehand selections by using the Lasso or the Polygonal Selection tools. The Lasso tool creates selections based on freehand segments. The Polygonal Selection tool selects an area with more precision by setting different points on the image and anchoring them using straight-line segments.

You can apply transformations only to path-based selections. However, you can convert any pixel-based selections to path-based selections in order to perform transformations. It’s important to note that when converting a pixel-based selection, the modified selection is reduced to only two levels of protection: the inside or the outside of the selection is protected. For more information, see Choosing the protected area of a selection.

In addition, if you select multiple layers prior to performing a transformation on a path-based selection, the transformation applies to the selected area across any layers that are currently selected. For example, if you select a layer group, the selection and transformation is applied to all layers within that group. Therefore, make sure to select only the desired layers before performing a transformation.

You can also select the entire canvas or create path-based selections by converting shapes or pixel-based selections. Converting a shape to create a path-based selection is useful for selecting an area that is identical to an existing shape or text.

To make an oval or a circular selection

1	Choose Window Layers.

To select	Do the following
An oval area	Choose the Oval Selection tool from the toolbox. Drag in the document window to select an area.
A circular area	Choose the Oval Selection tool from the toolbox. While dragging the selection in the document window, hold down the Shift key.

Whenever you create a selection, Corel Painter deactivates the previous selection.

To make a rectangular or square selection

1	Choose Window Layers.

To select	Do the following
A rectangular area	Choose the Rectangular Selection tool from the toolbox. Drag in the document window to select an area.
A square area	Choose the Rectangular Selection tool from the toolbox. While dragging the selection in the document window, hold down the Shift key.

To make a freehand selection

1	Choose Window Layers.

To	Do the following
Make a freehand selection	Choose the Lasso tool from the toolbox. Draw a freehand border around the area that you want to select in the document window.
Make a freehand selection with straight-edged segments	Choose the Polygonal Selection tool from the toolbox. Click where you want to set the anchor points of the polygon selection, and double-click to set the last anchor point.

If you draw an open path with the Lasso tool , the endpoints are connected automatically with a straight line before the selection is created.

When using the Lasso tool or Polygonal Selection tool , you can switch from one tool to another by pressing Option (Mac OS) or Alt (Windows).

To select the entire canvas

•	Choose Select All.

To convert a shape to a selection

2	Choose Shapes Convert To Selection.

You can also convert the current selection to a shape. For more information, see To convert a selection to a shape.

To convert a pixel-based selection to a path-based selection

2	Choose Select Transform Selection.

Corel Painter generates paths from the outlines of the pixel-based selection. You can now use the Transform tool for transformations.

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