Now that we've cropped and rotated our image to the consistency and dimensions we like, let's take the image one step further. Hypothetically let's say that you have an advertising assignment in which you have to create ads for a product. You'd like to isolate a specific part of and image that you have scanned or downloaded in order to incorporate it into the advertisement that you will create.

A good tool to start with is the magic wand, which is highlighted in the toolbar as shown below.

After selecting the magic wand tool, you can use it to select common portions of an image. The bug image that I've demonstrated with is an excellent example because there are a lot of selectable sections. As you can see below, I've selected a section just above and to the right of the bug.

In this particular example my goal is to isolate the bug and leaves. The magic wand will allow me to efficiently eliminate the background while leaving a clean edge along the majority of the bug.

To eliminate this section in one stroke, open the Edit menu and click Cut (Ctrl-X).

In the image below you'll notice that I've systematically eliminated several sections.

While the magic wand will often be your best approach to certain sections of an image, there are occasions when you'll run into images that are so detailed that the magic wand will not be effective.

In this case it's best to use the Eraser tool, which is highlighted in the toolbar below. Note that the Eraser tool can only be used on bitmap portions of an image, such as scanned images, or pictures that have been pasted in from bitmap-based programs.

After selecting the eraser tool, you'll notice a circle icon as you scroll over the image. By left clicking, you'll be able to erase in small, paintbrush shaped portions.

By using the properties window at the bottom of the screen, you can change the size and shape of your erasure paths. Size can be changed by adjusting the number above the edge, and shape can be changed by selecting either the square or circular brush buttons.

While erasing by hand may be tedious, it will allow you to isolate the part of the image that you want to use. After using the magic wand tool and eraser tool many times, my isolated bug and leaves looked like the image below:

Now that you've isolated a portion of an image, you may wish to incorporate it into another image in order to use it in a project such as an advertisement.

Proceed to Selection/Copying/Creating Transparent Images.