Select a subject automatically
Select subject finds the main subject of the whole visible design in one click; Object select finds the object inside a box you drag. When to use each, how to add and subtract, and what to do with the selection.
Beginner2 min readUpdated 27 September 2026Editor · Select subject, Object select
Which one
| Tool | Finds | Best for | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select, Subject | The main subject of the visible design | One person, or one obvious subject | MODNet (about 26 MB) |
| Object select (W) | The object inside the box you drag | One of several objects; products and animals | BiRefNet lite with WebGPU (about 115 MB), otherwise MODNet |
| Magic wand (Shift+W) | Similar colour | A flat background | None |
Use the selection
- Cut out: add a mask from the selection (Properties, Mask, Mask from selection).
- Adjust just the subject: add an adjustment, then Layer, Layer mask, Add layer mask; the mask matches the selection.
- Copy to its own layer: Ctrl+J copies the selected pixels to a new layer.
- Fix the edge: Select and mask… (Ctrl+Alt+R) with the Refine edge brush. See Fix the edge of a cutout.
When it picks the wrong thing
- Select subject looks at everything visible. Hide layers that should not count, or switch to Object select and drag a box.
- Leave a little room around the object when you drag; very small boxes are ignored.
- Add the missed part with Shift and a lasso, or subtract the extra with Alt.
Why is Select subject slow the first time?
It downloads its model (about 26 MB) once. After that it runs straight away, offline too.
Does Object select need WebGPU?
No. With WebGPU it uses the any-subject model; without it, the standard model, which is best on people.
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