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Participant
July 5, 2025
Answered

Why is lasso tool not selecting anything? (after rasterizing)

  • July 5, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 141 views

I have placed an embedded image and am trying to select part of it using the lasso tool. I have rasterized the smart object, but it is still not selecting the pixels. Any ideas? Thanks.

Correct answer LAMY2017

Rose, while we wait for the info Jane thoughtfully asked you to supply, let's take apart your question.

We humans often include unneeded info and neglect to include key points (I am the worst offender).

"embedded image" --may not be important to know if it's linked or embedded but in Ps, such a placed file is created as a smart object if the box in Settings>General>Options>Always Create... checkbox is checked.
"not selecting the pixels" sounds like you're not on the layer, or more likely, haven't clicked on the smart object to open it to edit directly.

One can't select pixels on a smart layer like you can on a layer other than Background.

 

2 replies

LAMY2017Correct answer
Legend
July 5, 2025

Rose, while we wait for the info Jane thoughtfully asked you to supply, let's take apart your question.

We humans often include unneeded info and neglect to include key points (I am the worst offender).

"embedded image" --may not be important to know if it's linked or embedded but in Ps, such a placed file is created as a smart object if the box in Settings>General>Options>Always Create... checkbox is checked.
"not selecting the pixels" sounds like you're not on the layer, or more likely, haven't clicked on the smart object to open it to edit directly.

One can't select pixels on a smart layer like you can on a layer other than Background.

 

Larry
jane-e
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 5, 2025

@rose_4598 

 

A screenshot will help us to see what you are seeing. Please include the tools panel, the options bar for the lasso tool, and your layers panel.

 

Jane