I've used PS for a long time but I have never had a need to outline an object until now. So what is the best method to outline any given shape/image/object with any given complexity? Images from simple shapes to complex images with little nooks and crannies and protrusions on the edges. Thanks!

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If I understand your question right, you want to get a selection around your object. If your object is all by its self on a layer hold CTRL and click on the layer. If its not on its own layer try using the magic wand to select what you want, play around with the settings for this tool. If you want to draw a line on your selection go EDIT>STROKE, if you want to make the selection bigger or smaller go SELECT>MODIFY>EXPAND OR CONTRACT. I hope that helps Chris Hammond

That's exactly the info I needed , thank you!

Depending on the image, a possibility is to check out the colour channels. Choose the one giving the best contrast between the background and the object you want to outline. Copy that to create a new alpha channel. Boost the contrast using levels and fill in relevant areas with black/white. Once happy with the result, copy this again to create a 2nd alpha channel. Use filter / other / max / min to increase the masked/selection area. You can then difference these two alpha channels to create your outline directly or use them for stroking/stroking path purposes. Hope this complements other method - use whatever gives the best? results - creating spare alphas also gives you the chance to experiment with other effects like blurs/grads etc If originally in RGB, and having trouble, try CMYK or LAB to see if they offer any other options.

Either use the lasso and polygon lasso, or for things with an obvious outline use the magnetic lasso.

i use the extract if you have ps5 or 6 its really easy and really fast

If you use the lasso with a graphic pad (graphire) how can you momentarily pick up the pen so you can reposition your hand, then put the pen back - without the lasso going crazy and trying to close the loop?

You gotta click your way around. All the way, start to finish.

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There is an amazingly easy way to do this IF the object images whatever are on a transparent background .. just go to > Select > choose load selection and however complex it will select the entire outline .. choose new layer and stroke under > Edit > link the new stroked path to the layer it was selected from ... that way you havent stroked the origional layer.