Modify a selection without moving the image

[Rupert]

Hi
I'm sure this is so basic but I can't think how to do it.
When selecting an area I would like to modify/transform/reshape just that selection (the marching ants) without moving the underlying image.
How do I do that?

 

[Paul]

Welcome mate, when you have 'marching ants' do a new layer via copy and you can then do what you like with it.

 

[Rupert]

Ah no, that's not what I mean. Let's say that I want to select an irregular oval part of my image. Suppose I use the elliptical marquee tool to get a close approximation of the area I want to select. I then want to modify/stretch/skew that selection or those marching ants so that I'm selecting exactly the area of the image I want. However, if I use the Edit/Transform/Skew option it it doesn't just allow me to skew the marching ants area - it skews the image. Is there not some key I can press to allow me alter the just the selection?

 

[Paul]

Like i said make a new layer copy of your 'selection' and you can do all of the skewing twisting pulling you desire?

 

[Rupert]

Yes I tried that and it skews the image, not the selection. Maybe I'm not explaining too well.
I have an image with an oval area I want to select. Using the Elliptical Marquee tool I can get pretty close to selecting just that area - but not quite. Now I'm talking here about the shape of the marching ants area, NOT the underlying image. I don't want to skew the image, I want to skew the shape of the marching ants.

 

[hawkeye]

From the toolbar: Select-Transform Selection.

 

[Stric9]

To do that before you release your click, you can push the spacebar to change locations of the selection, release the spacebar and continue to drag your mouse to get the exact selection that you are looking for or you can follow Hawkeye's advice.

I thought the same thing Paul till I read the last post.

 

[Paul]

Yep, saved the day mate (mental note 'read slower').

 

[Stric9]

Not really. I read it the same way too. I think Rupert explained it alittle better the second time.

 

[Rupert]

Oh what an idiot I am! I'd somehow forgotton about 'Select-Transform Selection' & the space bar. I knew it was something very basic. I think I'm going to bed now. Thanks guys

 

[Stric9]

Your not an idiot.......everyone has memory lapses.