Magic Wand Tool

Select an area in an image based on color.

3d Snagit icon

The Magic Wand selects an area based on color. Use it to:

  • Delete a background.
  • Move or delete elements in a mockup.

This tool is ideal for selecting areas of a single color that do not include complex backgrounds or patterns.

Note: Magic Wand and other tools in the Snagit Editor toolbar are available to edit images. To edit and enhance video captures, share your video to TechSmith Camtasia.

  1. Click the Magic Wand tool in the Snagit Editor toolbar.
    Magic Wand tool

    Note: If the tool is not visible in the toolbar, click the More dropdown. To customize your toolbar, see Customize the Snagit Toolbar

  2. Edit the tool properties to customize the tool. See Tool Properties.
  3. Click to select an object or color block on the Canvas.
  4. In the Tool Properties, drag the Select slider to adjust the selection radius.
  5. Complete any of the following to edit the selection:
    • Move an Object: Click and drag the selection or object to a new location.
    • Delete the Object or Selection: Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Mac) the selection and select Delete.
      delete object
  6. When you are finished with the Magic Wand tool, click the Move tool in the toolbar to select, move, edit, or delete objects you added to your image.
    Move tool

Snagit automatically fills the space of the moved or deleted object with the Background Fill option selected in the Tool Properties.

Tool Properties

Edit the properties to customize the tool.

Magic Wand properties on Windows Magic Wand properties on Mac

Select
Drag the slider to adjust the range included in the selection.

Global Color Selection
Expand the selection to include all instances of the selected color within the image.

Background Fill

  • Transparent: Fills area with transparency.
  • AutoFill: Automatically fills the area based on the content surrounding the selection.
    • Optimize for Speed (Windows only): Use for solid colored content or if fill details are not important.
    • Optimize for Photo Quality (Windows only): Use for advanced customization and higher quality fill.

Note: This tutorial is for Snagit version 2023. Previous versions may look or function differently.