What is the Polygonal Lasso Tool in Photoshop?
The polygonal lasso tool in Photoshop is one of the easiest selection tools for working with straight edges. If you’ve ever tried cutting out buildings, boxes, screens, or geometric shapes, this tool will quickly become your best friend.
Unlike the regular Lasso Tool, which lets you draw freely, the polygonal lasso tool works by creating straight-line segments. You click from point to point, and Photoshop connects them with straight lines. It’s perfect for objects without curved edges.
If you’re new to Adobe Photoshop, this tool is a great starting point before moving on to more advanced selection methods.
Where Is the Polygonal Lasso Tool in Photoshop?
One of the most common beginner questions is: Where is the polygonal Lasso tool in Photoshop?
Here’s how to find it:
- Open Photoshop.
- Look at the left toolbar.
- Find the Lasso Tool icon (it looks like a rope).
- Click and hold the Lasso Tool.
- A small menu will appear.
- Choose the Polygonal Lasso Tool.
Shortcut tip:
- Press L on your keyboard.
- Press Shift + L to cycle between Lasso tools until you reach the Polygonal Lasso Tool.
It’s grouped with:
- Lasso Tool
- Magnetic Lasso Tool
If you don’t see it, make sure your toolbar is set to the default layout under Window > Workspace.
What Is the Use of the Polygonal Lasso Tool?
So, what is the use of the polygonal Lasso tool?
The polygonal lasso tool in Photoshop is mainly used to:
1. Select Objects with Straight Edges
Great for:
- Buildings
- Tables
- Books
- Phone screens
- Posters
2. Cut Out Geometric Shapes
If you want to remove a background behind a rectangular object, this tool gives you precise control.
3. Create Masking Areas
You can combine it with layer masks to:
- Change background colors
- Apply adjustments to specific areas
- Add creative effects
4. Remove Unwanted Objects
Select unwanted areas and:
- Press Delete
- Use Content-Aware Fill
- Apply adjustments
It’s not ideal for curved shapes like hair or clouds. For that, other tools may work better. But for sharp angles? This tool is powerful and efficient.
How to Use a Polygonal Tool
Now, let’s answer the most important question: How to use a polygonal tool?
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open Your Image
Go to File > Open and choose your photo.
Step 2: Select the Polygonal Lasso Tool
Find it in the toolbar, or press Shift+L until it appears.
Step 3: Click Around the Object
- Click once to create your first anchor point.
- Move your cursor and click again.
- Keep clicking around the edges of your object.
- Each click creates a straight line.
Step 4: Close the Selection
To finish:
- Click back on the first point
- OR
- Double-click to close automatically
You’ll see the “marching ants” around your Selection.
Step 5: Apply Your Action
Now you can:
- Press Ctrl+J to duplicate the Selection.
- Add a mask
- Change color
- Delete background
That’s it. Simple and clean.
7 Proven Polygonal Lasso Tool in Photoshop Tricks
Want smoother results? Try these:
1. Zoom In First
Press Ctrl + + to zoom in. Precision improves instantly.
2. Use Short Click Segments
The more clicks you use, the more accurate your Selection.
3. Hold Shift to Add Selection
Need to select more areas? Hold Shift and keep selecting.
4. Hold Alt to Subtract
Made a mistake? Hold Alt and remove unwanted parts.
5. Press Backspace to Undo Last Point
Clicked the wrong spot? Hit Backspace to remove the last anchor point.
6. Feather Your Selection
Go to:
Select > Modify > Feather
Use 1–2 px for softer edges.
7. Combine with Layer Mask
Instead of deleting, use a mask. It’s non-destructive and safer.
Using these tricks will make your polygonal lasso tool in Photoshop workflow much smoother.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Even though the polygonal lasso tool in Photoshop is simple, beginners often make these mistakes:
Clicking Too Fast
Take your time. Rushed clicks = messy edges.
Not Zooming In
Precision matters. Zooming makes a huge difference.
Forgetting to Close the Selection
If the Selection isn’t closed, it won’t work properly.
Using It for Curved Objects
This tool works best on straight lines. Don’t force it on curved shapes.
When Should You Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool?
Use it when:
- The object has clear angles.
- You need fast manual control.
- Automatic selection tools fail.
Avoid it when:
- The edges are soft.
- The object has hair or fur.
- You need ultra-detailed curves.
In those cases, other Photoshop tools might be more effective.
Why Beginners Love This Tool
For users who are learning content creation, freelancing, or social media editing, the polygonal lasso tool in Photoshop is:
- Easy to understand
- Beginner-friendly
- Precise for product edits
- Perfect for Instagram visuals
- Great for ecommerce cutouts
You don’t need advanced skills to use it well, just patience and practice.
Final Thoughts
The polygonal lasso tool in Photoshop is one of the most underrated yet powerful selection tools available. It’s simple, clean, and extremely effective for straight-edge objects.
Now you know:
- Where is the polygonal Lasso tool in Photoshop
- What is the use of the polygonal Lasso tool
- How to use a polygonal tool step by step
If you’re starting your Photoshop journey, master this tool first. It builds your confidence and improves your editing precision.
Practice on buildings, gadgets, packaging, or anything with sharp corners. The more you use it, the faster and cleaner your selections will become.
If you’re short on time to fix your photos, no worries! Contact us now to get free image editing services. Click here to contact our sales representative!
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