A Great Technique to Resize an Object in an Image
The Content Aware Move tool allows you to move and resize an object within an image. But depending on the image and object, when resizing an object, this sometimes does not do a great job.
The technique outlined below, using the Object Select tool and the Move Tool, is an alternative method to resize and enlarge an object within an image and it produces a better result.
How to Resize an Object in an Image
Here is the whole image. We will zoom in to the lower left corner and enlarge the tree.
Step 1
Select the Content Aware Move Tool from the toolbar. Like most tools, it shares the button with other tools and the one that is visible will be the last tool used.
Step 2
Move the cursor over the object and wait a moment. The Object Selection tool will try to identify an object and then highlight it in pink. In this image, with this object, it's done a perfect job.
If your object isn't selected perfectly, instead of clicking on the object, click and drag to create a selection around your object. The Object Selection tool then usually finds the object. If it doesn't you'll need a different selection tool.
Step 3
Move the cursor over the object and wait a moment. The Object Selection tool will try to identify an object and then highlight it in pink. In this image, with this object, it's done a perfect job.
If your object isn't selected perfectly, instead of clicking on the object, click and drag to create a selection around your object. The Object Selection tool then usually finds the object. If it doesn't you'll need a different selection tool.
Step 4
We don't want the trunk of the tree selected, so when we enlarge the tree, it just enlarges the branches and leaves.
Select the Lasso tool.
Step 5
Select the 3rd selection button "Subtract from Selection".
Step 6
Click and drag and draw around the tree trunk. You don't have to be accurate. Just draw a rough selection around the trunk.
Notice the minus (-) by the tool, indicating Remove from Selection.
Step 7
When you release the mouse button the trunk is removed from the selection.
Step 8
Select the Move tool from the Toolbar. Like most tools, it shares the button with other tools and the one that is visible will be the last tool used.
Step 9
Click on the cog icon. This is the last button on the Options Bar (above the image).
Tick the box for Show Transform Controls.
This shows the blue Transform box and "handles" when selected, or hides the box when not selected.
Step 10
Click and drag the top right corner handle upwards and to the right to enlarge the tree. Repeat this with the top left corner handle.
Step 11
Press Enter to confirm your changes.
When transforming, you must either press Enter, (or click the tick on the Options bar) to confirm, or press Esc (or click reset on the Options bar) to cancel. You won't be able to carry out any additional steps until you confirm or cancel.
Step 12
Here is the finished image and it looks good.
There is no blurring around the edges, as can happen when resizing while using the Content Aware Move tool.
Summary
Although you can do something similar with the Content Aware Move Tool, this technique with the Object Selection tool and Move tool, produces a better result.
Depending on your image and the object to be selected, you may be better off with a different selection tool. While the Object Selection tool is excellent a lot of the time, there are also many instances where it doesn't do a perfect job and other tools, such as the Quick Selection tool, or Magic Wand will make a better selection.
