How to select an area for filling in with with color

Im trying to shade in an open shape on a photo thats not square on to the page whats the best way to fill it in with color??

ie.... if it was a shape with lines all the way round you could use the fill tool but is there a better way of doing it with the magic wand or something like this
(I can do it with the freehand selection but edges aren't v.neat)

Hi Stewart,

Can you post the image that contains the area you want to shade?

It would be easier for someone to determine how to select the area.

Its just a square with one side open but on its side a bit and im wanting to fill the closed part of it with color -----------> [ <----------

sorry but that is not very helpful - to me at least :confused:

really need to see the picture to determine the right tool[s]/method for the job :)

I think the OP means it's a box with one side missing. As per the OPs diagram, imagine a "[" stretched out.

+-------------
|
| Fill me in
|
|
+-------------

ok

make new vector layer - using pen tool, in connect segments mode, to draw on the new layer round the [ and the outer boundary of where you want the fill to go to form a closed shape - then fill it with the coloring you need and then remove the original pen line [make transparent]

you are left with a fill on the new layer overlaying the original

if you need the coloring to have transparency but without the original showing through you will need to insert a duplicate of the fill colored solid white between them to buffer

you can blur the edges - that sometimes make it blend better - that may mean tweaking the fill shape size

this is the 'works in most if not all cases' method - if I understand correctly

Stewart you can add a new layer then use the Selection tool then click and drag to select the area you want. Then with the area selected click on the Flood Fill Tool, select the colour or gradient, etc you want to use. Click within the selected area to perform the fill.

I'm using Paint Shop Pro version 8.1 by Jasc. Your icons may look different if you have a newer version by Corel. Corel bought Jasc several years ago.

true enough - and if its a non uniform shape using the freehand selection tool will do the job....

Yes both of the above mentioned methods work very well :)