Working with Color > Choosing foreground and background colors > Using the eyedropper tool
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Using the eyedropper tool


The eyedropper tool samples color from an image to designate a new foreground or background color. You can sample from the active image or from another image. (When you're using the eyedropper, you can click in a background image without making it the active image.)

You can also specify the area sampled by the eyedropper tool. For example, you can set the eyedropper to sample the color values of a 3-by-3-pixel area under the pointer. Modifying the sample size of the eyedropper affects the color readouts displayed in the Info palette.

To select the foreground or background color:

1 Select the eyedropper tool ().

2 To change the sample size of the eyedropper, choose an option from the Sample Size menu:
  • Point Sample to read the precise value of the pixel you click.
  • 3 by 3 Average or 5 by 5 Average to read the average value of the specified number of pixels within the area you click.

    • 3 Select a color:
  • To select a new foreground color from an image, click the color you want.
  • To select a new background color from an image, Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Mac OS) the color you want.

    • As you drag the eyedropper tool, the foreground color selection box changes dynamically. Alt-drag (Windows) or Option-drag (Mac OS) to activate the background color selection box. Release the mouse button to pick the new color.

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

    Working with Color > Choosing foreground and background colors > Using the eyedropper tool