Rotating a selection in Photoshop is straightforward and can be achieved through several methods, depending on your needs. Here's how:
Method 1: Using the Free Transform Tool
This is the most versatile method for rotating selections of any shape or size.
- Make your selection: Use any selection tool (Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand, etc.) to select the area you wish to rotate.
- Access Free Transform: Go to
Edit > Free Transform
(or pressCtrl+T
on Windows orCmd+T
on macOS). A bounding box will appear around your selection. - Rotate: Hover your cursor over any of the corner handles of the bounding box. The cursor will change to a curved arrow. Click and drag to rotate your selection to the desired angle. You can also type a precise rotation angle into the options bar.
- Confirm: Press
Enter
(Windows) orReturn
(macOS) to apply the transformation.
Method 2: Using Transform Selection
This method is ideal for rotating rectangular selections precisely.
- Make your selection: Create your selection using a selection tool.
- Access Transform Selection: Go to
Select > Transform Selection
. A bounding box will appear. - Rotate: Similar to Free Transform, hover over a corner handle, click and drag to rotate.
- Confirm: Press
Enter
(Windows) orReturn
(macOS).
Method 3: Image Rotation (for rotating the entire layer)
If you want to rotate the entire layer containing your selection, instead of just the selection itself:
- Select the layer: In the Layers panel, click on the layer you want to rotate.
- Access Image Rotation: Go to
Image > Rotate
. You can choose pre-set rotations (90° clockwise, 90° counter-clockwise, 180°) or choose "Arbitrary…" for a custom angle.
Choosing the Right Method
- Free Transform: Best for complex selections, precise angle control, and scaling adjustments alongside rotation.
- Transform Selection: Simpler for rectangular selections needing rotation only.
- Image Rotation: For rotating the entire layer, not just a selection within a layer.
Remember that the methods described above apply to selections and layers. While the wording of the original question mentions "objects," in Photoshop, these are typically represented by layers or selections within layers.