The polygonal lasso tool in Photoshop is a fantastic option for making selections with straight edges. Many users, especially those involved in detailed image work, find it indispensable. Like any tool, however, it comes with a learning curve, and it’s easy to make mistakes while using it. One common frustration, particularly for new users, is accidentally double-clicking and prematurely closing a selection when you didn’t intend to. Fortunately, Photoshop provides several ways to undo actions and correct errors when using the polygonal lasso tool, ensuring a smoother workflow.
One of the simplest methods to undo a mistake while actively drawing a selection with the polygonal lasso tool is to use the Delete or Backspace key. If you’ve just placed a point incorrectly or want to backtrack a few steps, simply press Delete (or Backspace). This will remove the last point you placed, allowing you to continue your selection from the previous point. You can press it multiple times to undo several points in sequence, giving you precise control over your selection path in real-time.
Another common issue arises when users accidentally double-click, which, as mentioned earlier, finalizes the selection area prematurely. If you accidentally double-click and close your selection before it’s complete, don’t worry! Photoshop’s undo function is your friend. Immediately press Ctrl+Z on Windows or Cmd+Z on Mac to undo the last action. This will typically revert the tool’s state back to before the selection was closed, letting you continue editing or restart your selection if needed.
While some users prefer the freehand lasso tool for simpler selections, or the pen tool for ultimate precision with paths and curves, the polygonal lasso tool holds its own, especially when dealing with images containing many straight lines. The ability to quickly undo points or entire actions makes it a flexible and forgiving tool in the Photoshop toolkit. Mastering these undo techniques will significantly improve your efficiency and reduce frustration when working on complex selections for tasks like rotoscoping or detailed image manipulation. Practice using these undo methods to refine your polygonal lasso skills and achieve cleaner, more accurate selections in your image editing projects.
