The lasso tool is a selection feature commonly found in graphic design and photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop. It allows users to draw freehand shapes around objects in an image to select them. This tool is particularly useful for isolating irregularly shaped areas that may not fit into standard rectangular or elliptical selections. There are typically three variations of the lasso tool: the standard lasso, which allows freehand drawing; the polygonal lasso, which creates straight-edged selections; and the magnetic lasso, which automatically snaps to the edges of objects. These options provide flexibility for users to select precisely what they need in their projects.