Complex Selections

Complex Selections

Learn about the other selection tools which can be used for making more complex selections in Illustrator.

When to use

Use the Lasso Tool when you want to make a freehand selection, and the Magic Wand when you want to select multiple objects with the same visual properties.

Instructions

Duplicating Shapes and Objects

• Begin by creating a square with a white fill and black stroke.
• Duplicate the square by clicking and dragging it while holding Command/Ctrl + Alt/Option + Shift to move it directly to the side of the first square.
• Press Shift+X on the keyboard to swap your fill and stroke, and then choose none for the stroke. You should now have a solid black square.

Using the Lasso Tool

• Click and hold on the Direct Selection Tool (A) in the toolbar, and then choose the Lasso Tool. 
• With the Lasso Tool selected, click and drag around the right edges of your first square (white square with a black outline).
• Hold the Shift Key and then click and drag around the right edges of your second square (black square with no outline).
• With the edges of both of your squares selected, hold the Shift Key and tap the up arrow a few times to see both edges move upwards at the same time.

Using the Magic Wand Tool

• Go to the Window Menu and choose Toolbars > Advanced.
• Select the Magic Wand Tool found right below the Direct Selection Tool at the top of the toolbar.
• Press 'L' to switch to the Ellipse Tool, and then hold the Shift Key to create a circle.
• Fill the circle with solid black and no outline. 
• You can now switch back to the Magic Wand Tool (Y) and click on either of the shapes filled with solid black and you will select both shapes at the same time.

Hints & tips

• The shortcut for the Lasso Tool is 'Q' on the keyboard.
• While the Lasso Tool is active, you can hold the Shift Key to add to your selection.
• You can remove from your selection by holding the Alt/Option Key and clicking and dragging around the points you want to deselect.
• The shortcut for the Magic Wand Tool is 'Y' on the keyboard.
• If you don't see the Magic Wand Tool, make sure to change your toolbar to the 'Advanced' toolbar by going to the Window Menu and choose Toolbars > Advanced Toolbar.
• Using the Magic Wand Tool can be very useful for selecting multiple shapes that have the same fill color, stroke color, etc.