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# Magic Wand Tool

Keyboard shortcut W
+ shift ⇧ =
+ opt ⌥ =
The Magic Wand tool is used to select a similarly colored area, to make isolated adjustments, or to remove part of an image.

To select a similarly colored area:

1. Select Magic Wand tool in the Tools palette (or press shortcut W).
2. Select Magic Wand mode in the Tool Options palette.
   - New - to draw new selection.
   - Add To - add to the border of an existing selection.
   - Subtract From - substract from the border of an existing selection.
3. Click the color you want to select and then slowly drag over it.

   As you drag, the selection grows to include the contiguous area that uses similar colors. You can control how much of the image is selected by dragging less or more.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as many times as you like.

When the selection is done, you can make color adjustments, apply filters, or use other editing tools.

Tool Options

You can use the following Magic Wand modes:

- New - to draw a new selection.
- Add To - add to the border of an existing selection.
- Subtract From - substract from the border of anexisting selection.

The option "Sample All Layers" will sample a selection from all visible layers.

The Magic Wand tool also has an option called "Anti-alias" to smooth the edges of a selection.

Learn more about how to enhance a selection.
Selection tools

- Move
- Rectangular Marquee
- Elliptical Marquee
- Lasso
- Polygonal Lasso
- Magic Wand

Related topics

- Enhance Selection
- Tools palette