About selections

Since there are two different types of data in your image--bitmap and vector--you need to use separate sets of tools to make selections of each type. You can use selection borders to select pixels. When you select pixels, you are selecting resolution dependent information in the image. For more information about bitmap images and vector graphics, see About bitmap images and vector graphics.

You can also create selections using the pen or shape tools, which produce precise outlines called paths. A path is a vector shape that contains no pixels. (See Moving, copying, and pasting selections and layers.) You can convert paths to selections or convert selections to paths. (See Converting between paths and selection borders (Photoshop).)

In Photoshop, you can use the Extract command to isolate an object from its background and erase the background to transparency. You can also make sophisticated selections using masks. (See Saving a mask selection.)