Photoshop

Choose colors with the Eyedropper tool

The Eyedropper tool samples color to designate a new foreground or background color. You can sample from the active image or from anywhere else on the screen.

  1. Select the Eyedropper tool .
  2. To change the sample size of the eyedropper, choose an option from the Sample Size menu:
    Point Sample
    Reads the precise value of the pixel you click.

    3 by 3 Average, 5 by 5 Average, 11 by 11 Average, 31 by 31 Average, 51 by 51 Average, 101 by 101 Average
    Reads the average value of the specified number of pixels within the area you click.
    Selecting a foreground color with the Eyedropper tool

    A.
    Point sample

    B.
    5 x 5 average sample

  3. Do one of the following:

    • To select a new foreground color, click in the image. Alternatively, position the pointer over the image, press the mouse button, and drag anywhere on the screen. The foreground color selection box changes dynamically as you drag. Release the mouse button to pick the new color.

    • To select a new background color, Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac OS) in the image. Alternatively, position the pointer over the image, press Alt (Windows) or Options (Mac OS), press the mouse button, and drag anywhere on the screen. The background color selection box changes dynamically as you drag. Release the mouse button to pick the new color.

    To use the Eyedropper tool temporarily while using any painting tool, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS).