How to Use the Photoshop Marquee Tool

The Photoshop marquee tool, a relatively simple feature, is essential for several tasks. At the most basic level, the tool is used to select areas of an image, which can then be copied, cut or cropped. Specific sections of a graphic can be selected to apply a filter or effect to a particular area. Strokes and fills can also be applied to a marquee selection to create shapes and lines. There are four options within the tool to select different types of areas: rectangular, elliptical, a single row or a single column.