Using the eyedropper tool

The eyedropper tool samples color to designate a new foreground or background color. You can sample from the active image or from anywhere else on the screen.

You can also specify the area sampled by the eyedropper tool. For example, you can set the eyedropper to sample the color values of a 3-by-3-pixel area under the pointer. Modifying the sample size of the eyedropper affects the color readouts displayed in the Info palette.

To select the foreground or background color:

1. Select the eyedropper tool .
2. To change the sample size of the eyedropper, choose an option from the Sample Size menu:
• Point Sample to read the precise value of the pixel you click.
• 3 by 3 Average or 5 by 5 Average to read the average value of the specified number of pixels within the area you click.
3. Do one of the following:
• To select a new foreground color, click in the image. Alternately, position the pointer over the image, press the mouse button, and drag anywhere on the screen. The foreground color selection box changes dynamically as you drag. Release the mouse button to pick the new color.
• To select a new background color, Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac OS) in the image. Alternately, position the pointer over the image, press Alt (Windows) or Options (Mac OS), press the mouse button, and drag anywhere on the screen. The background color selection box changes dynamically as you drag. Release the mouse button to pick the new color.

To use the eyedropper tool temporarily while using any painting tool, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS).