Using the Rectangular Marquee Tool in Photoshop

The first tool on the Marquee tools flyout menu is the Rectangular Marquee tool. Use this tool to create rectangular or square selections.

The Rectangular Marquee tool is a good tool to use when you want to zero in on an image, plucking it out of a larger background to provide a better focal point.

Here’s how to make a selection with the Rectangular Marquee tool:

1. Select the Rectangular Marquee tool from the Tools palette (also known as the Toolbox).
You can also use the keyboard shortcut — press the M key.
2. Drag from one corner of the area you want to select to the opposite corner.
As you drag, the selection marquee appears. The marquee follows the movement of your mouse cursor.
3. Release your mouse button.
4. If you want to create a perfect square, press the Shift key after you begin dragging.

If you want to drag your selection from the center outward instead of corner to corner, press the Alt key (Option on the Mac) after you begin dragging. When you have your desired selection, release your mouse button and then release the Alt (Option on the Mac) key.

When you have your desired selection, release the mouse button and then the Shift key.
You now have a full-fledged rectangular selection.