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Selecting multiple objects in photoshop is difficult when in close proximity

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
April 6, 2017
6 replies
18773 views

In the past you could select multiple objects that were in close proximity now it is not possible it's almost as if when something is selected there is a 20 pixel padding around the object not allowing you to select items that are within close proximity this is driving me crazy and also if you try to select it it flips the rotation icon and now you have to cancel the action in order to try again - WTF this is crazy I work pixel by pixel and this is a nightmare - any thoughts?

Correct answer Conrad_C

Thanks Conrad, I like the transform on because it lets me know what I selected in the past the sensitivity of the transform controls were closer to the transform points and now its like a force field around each object this is so frustrating

If your goal is to get better visual feedback on what's selected, there might be a better way to do that. Have you tried choosing View > Show > Layer Edges? It will show a rectangle around any and all selected layers, and when I try it there isn't any kind of extra zone around it. And unlike the transform box, you don't see a rectangle around the total area, it will show a separate rectangle for each object so it's a more specific indicator.

SossidgeMahoney

New Participant

OMG, I have exactly this same problem and it's been driving me freaking bonkers. Thank you for bringing this up and explaining it so well

CapomanAuthor

Known Participant

Here is a link to a video demonstrating the problem

PS_OBJ_SELECT - YouTube

Conrad_C

Community Expert

Thanks, that video is very helpful. You don't seem to be doing anything wrong. The "padding" is not in any of the layers themselves; Photoshop extends the area of sensitivity of the transform controls to make it easier to select the transform box or handles.

My question is, do you need the transform controls at all? If you don't, turn them off and you won't have this problem any more. When the Move tool is selected, turn off "Show Transform Controls" in the options bar. That should make Photoshop work the way you want.

If you do want the transform controls on all the time, I don't think there's a way to reduce the sensitivity zone of the transform controls. You'll probably want to leave the transform controls turned off, and for the times you do want to transform selected layers, choose Edit > Free Transform which will temporary show the transform controls.

Conrad_CCorrect answer

Community Expert

Thanks Conrad, I like the transform on because it lets me know what I selected in the past the sensitivity of the transform controls were closer to the transform points and now its like a force field around each object this is so frustrating

If your goal is to get better visual feedback on what's selected, there might be a better way to do that. Have you tried choosing View > Show > Layer Edges? It will show a rectangle around any and all selected layers, and when I try it there isn't any kind of extra zone around it. And unlike the transform box, you don't see a rectangle around the total area, it will show a separate rectangle for each object so it's a more specific indicator.

CapomanAuthor

Known Participant

Screen capturing does not work the action items that appear when trying to select additional object disappear. Here is a link to a video where I demonstrate the issues.

Selecting Multiple Images - YouTube

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

Is »Show Transform Controls« checked for the Move Tool?

CapomanAuthor

Known Participant

yes the Show Transform Controls is selected

JJMack

Community Expert

Capoman wrote
In the past you could select multiple objects that were in close proximity now it is not possible it's almost as if when something is selected there is a 20 pixel padding around the object not allowing you to select items that are within close proximity this is driving me crazy and also if you try to select it it flips the rotation icon and now you have to cancel the action in order to try again - WTF this is crazy I work pixel by pixel and this is a nightmare - any thoughts?

What are you using that add a 20 pixel padding are you feathering what you select or blurring the selection?

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JJMack

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

With the More Tool selected and ctrl-alt-shift pressed I can click-select multiple Layers without problem, could you provide your file for testing?

SossidgeMahoney

New Participant

THANK you! I wish I had googled this a week ago, when I was so much further away from a nervous breakdown

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

Please explain what exactly you are doing, post some screenshots with the pertinent Panels visible to illustrate.

Are you sure the Layers do not have »stray pixels« or are poorly clipped so that there may be near-invisible content within the »20 pixel« area you describe?

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