Using the eraser tool

The eraser tool changes pixels in the image as you drag through them. If you're working in the background or in a layer with transparency locked, the pixels change to the background color; otherwise, the pixels are erased to transparency. You can also use the eraser to return the affected area to a state selected in the History palette.

To use the eraser tool:

1. Select the eraser tool .
2. Do the following in the options bar:
• Choose a brush and set brush options (Photoshop), or choose a preset brush (ImageReady). (See Working with brushes.) This option is not available for Block mode.
• Choose a mode for the eraser--Brush (Photoshop), Paintbrush (ImageReady), Airbrush (ImageReady), Pencil, or Block.
• Specify an opacity to define the strength of the erasure. An opacity of 100% erases pixels completely. A lower opacity erases pixels partially. (This option is not available for Block mode in Photoshop.)
• (Photoshop) In Brush mode, specify a flow rate. (See Specifying opacity, flow, strength, or exposure.)
• (Photoshop) In Brush mode, click the airbrush button to use the brush as an airbrush. Alternately, select the Airbrush option in the Brushes palette. (See Creating airbrush effects (Photoshop).)
• (Photoshop) To erase to a saved state or snapshot of the image, click the left column of the state or snapshot in the History palette, then select Erase to History in the options bar. (See Painting with a state or snapshot of an image (Photoshop).)

(Photoshop) To temporarily use the eraser tool in Erase to History mode, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) as you drag in the image.

3. Drag through the area you want to erase.