Invert Selection

This object inverts the entire active selection. The difference between the Invert object and the Invert check box in the selection controls is that the check box affects only one selection object, whereas the Invert object affects the entire active selection, which can be the result of several selection objects.

For example, if you create several selection shapes, each interacting with each other using the Add/Subtract/Intersect modes, you can invert the result of these selections with the Selection | Invert object, and get a result which would not be possible by trying to invert the individual objects.

Once you invert a selection, everything but the original selection is selected. This is useful for applying effects to all but a specific area in a clip. Rather than trying to use a combined selection to select all but the specific area, select the specific area and then invert the selection.

In the following illustration, a polygon selection was drawn around the patch on the jeans. After inverting the selection, everything but the patch is selected.

You can modify the stacking order for Invert Selection objects in the Workspace panel or Timeline list.

To invert a selection:

1. Draw any type of selection or any combination of selection objects.
2. Choose Selection | Invert.

An Invert Selection object appears in the Workspace panel and Timeline list.

The selection is inverted.

Note: If the selection is made from a single selection object, then you can click Invert in the selection controls to invert the selection (inverting in this way does not add an object to the Timeline list).