# PhotoshopElements

# Use the Eraser tool

The Eraser tool changes pixels in the image as you drag through them. If you’re working in the Background layer or in a layer with locked transparency, erased pixels change to the background color; otherwise, erased pixels become transparent. Transparent pixels are indicated by the transparency grid.

1. Select the Eraser tool from the toolbox.
2. Set options in the options bar as desired, and then drag through the area you want to erase.

   You can specify any of the following Eraser tool options:

   Brushes
     Sets the brush tip. Click the arrow next to the brush sample, choose a brush category from the Brushes pop‑up menu, and then select a brush thumbnail.

   Size
     Sets the size of the brush in pixels. Drag the Size pop‑up slider or enter a size in the text box.

   Mode
     Brush mode erases by using characteristics of the brush tool, so you can make soft-edged erasures. Pencil mode makes hard-edge erasures like a pencil. Block mode uses a hard-edged 16‑pixel square as an eraser.

   Opacity
     Defines the strength of the erasure. An opacity of 100% erases pixels to complete transparency on a layer and to the background color on the Background layer. A lower opacity erases pixels to partial transparency on a layer and paints partially with the background color on the Background layer. (If Block mode is selected in the options bar, the Opacity option isn’t available.)

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- About blending modes
- About brush options

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- This page on the Web