How to select and move an object in an image

You want to move one person, product, or other object in a photo, but dragging the image would move everything. The key is to select the object first, then move only the selected pixels.

You can do this in the browser with the Photo Editor. It has selection tools and layers, so you can isolate the part you want to reposition and check the result before saving.

Select and move the object

1. Open the image. Start the Photo Editor and open your image. Work on a copy if you want to keep the original unchanged.
2. Choose a selection method. Use the selection option that best fits the object's outline. A freeform selection suits an irregular shape, while a straight-edged or simple shape selection can be quicker for objects with clear, regular edges.
3. Trace the object. Follow its outline closely. Include details that should move with it, such as a handle, loose hair, or a cast shadow. Avoid selecting nearby background or other objects.
4. Check the selection at a closer zoom. Look around the entire boundary before moving anything. If part of the object is missing or the selection includes an unwanted area, adjust the outline first.
5. Move the selected pixels. With the selection active, use the editor's move action and drag the object to its new position. If dragging changes only the selection outline, switch to the move action before dragging. Make small adjustments until the placement looks right.

Moving pixels can leave a gap where the object used to be. Depending on the image and layer, that area may look blank or transparent. Check it before saving, especially if the old position is near the edge of the frame.

Choose the right selection approach

The object has a clear, simple outline

A quick selection with a regular shape or straight edges may be enough for a box, sign, or product with a plain outline. Zoom in to check the corners. A selection that is slightly too large can bring a thin strip of background along with the object.

The object has an irregular outline

Use a freeform selection and follow the edge more carefully. For details such as hair, leaves, or a soft shadow, decide whether those details need to move too. A very tight outline can make the object look cut out, while including too much background can create a visible patch at the new position.

You need to preserve the original

Keep an untouched copy of the image or original layer before editing. Layers help keep parts of an edit separate, but the exact workflow depends on how the image is arranged. If the object is already on its own layer, moving that layer can avoid cutting it out of the background layer.

Fix common selection and movement problems

1. Redo a rough outline. If the moved object has a jagged edge or a colored fringe, undo the move and refine the selection. Zoom in and follow the edge more closely, especially where the object meets a contrasting background.
2. Move only the object, not the whole image. Make sure the selection is active before you start moving. If the entire picture shifts, undo and check that you are moving the selected pixels rather than the canvas or image layer.
3. Repair a visible gap. If the old position looks empty, try moving the object a shorter distance or choose a new position that covers the gap. Simple, even backgrounds are easier to make look natural than detailed backgrounds. Keep the original layer available so you can return to it if needed.
4. Check the edge at normal size. A boundary that looks imperfect when highly zoomed in may be hard to see in the finished image. Zoom out and check whether the object looks like it belongs in its new position before making more edits.

Make the move look natural

A clean cutout is only part of a convincing edit. The object should also match the light, size, and perspective of its new location. Moving an object across the same flat background is usually straightforward. Placing it over detailed scenery can expose the missing area and make the edit more noticeable.

Pay attention to shadows. If the object casts a shadow, leaving that shadow behind can make the moved object look detached. Including the shadow in the selection may help, but it can also bring unwanted background with it. Try the selection both ways on a copy and compare the result.

When the placement looks right, save or export the edited image using the editor's available file action. The Photo Editor runs in your browser, and the image stays on your device.