Magic wand tolerance

[TrueChris]

What does the tolerance level on the magic wand do? Does it make it more sensitive or something?

[david.atwell]

Precisely! :-) As the tolerance on the magic wand is set higher, it will accept pixels with a color more and more different from the pixel you're clicking.

For instance, if you click on a pixel that is perfectly red (#FF0000), and have the tolerance set to 0%, it will only select contiguous (or global, if that's selected) pixels that are also perfectly red (#FF0000). However, as you turn it up, it will begin to accept slight differences. Eventually, if you've turned it up enough, it will accept all but the most opposed colors on the color wheel.

Does this make sense? If not, try this test:

1. Open a new image.

2. Use the gradient tool to draw a linear gradient (black to white is fine) across the image.

3. Select the Magic Wand. Turn the Tolerance down to almost the bottom. Click on the far left.

4. Now, turn the tolerance up partway. Click on the far left again.

5. Turn the tolerance almost all the way up. Click on the far left again.

See how it changed? That's exactly what happens with full-size pictures; it's just not a smooth progression like your gradient is. :-)