One of the first tools in Photoshop that everyone should learn is selecting and deselecting an image. If you’ve learnt how to select in Photoshop using the selection tools then it’s only right to know how to deselect that selection.

In this tutorial, I will quickly guide you through the 3 easy methods to deselect a layer in Photoshop.

Method 1: Using the keyboard shortcut

The first and quickest way to deselect in Photoshop is by using the keyboard shortcut. Press Ctrl+D on Windows or Command+D on a Mac to deselect. This shortcut works for all selection tools, including the Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand and Quick Selection tool.

Another quick keyboard shortcut to deselect a path in Photoshop is by using the Escape key. Simply press escape and before you know it, Photoshop will remove the selection in a blink of an eye.

Method 2: Clicking on a selection

The next method is probably the simplest in this list as it does not involve the use of any keyboard shortcuts. If you are already using the Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand or Quick Selection tool simply hover over your selection and a white cursor with a box (like in the image below) will appear. Then simply click on your selection and it will deselect just like that.

Learn how to select layers in 3 easy methods

Method 3: Using the Select menu

While this method might be the most manual and certainly the longest way to do it when you compare it to the other examples above. You can deselect in Photoshop by using the Select menu at the top of your window.

First, ensure that you have an active selection on your image. Then, go to the Select menu at the top of the Photoshop interface and choose Deselect. This method works for all selection tools.

That concludes the methods on how to deselect in Photoshop.

Bonus Tip: Reselecting in Photoshop

There is nothing worse than when you’ve been working on a complex selection within an image and you deselect it and for that brief moment you feel like this:

via GIPHY

Don’t worry though take a deep breath and undo the deselect. Here 3 quick steps you reselect in Photoshop:

1. Simply undo your last action by using Ctrl+Z on Windows or Command+D on a Mac
2. Use the Reselect keyboard shortcut Shift+Ctrl+D or Shift+Command+D
3. Go to the ‘Select’ menu at the top and click on ‘Reselect’ and your previous selection will reappear.

Final Thoughts

Deselecting in Photoshop is a crucial skill that can help you refine your selections and create more precise edits. By understanding these various methods for deselecting layers in Photoshop, you can work more efficiently and effectively when editing your images.

Whether you prefer using the keyboard shortcuts or the workspace menu, these tips can speed up your workflow.