A proximity selection feature of a content creation and consumption application for selecting proximate content displayed by a computing device is described. The content application can initiate a selection mode in response to receiving, for example, a command to enter the selection mode or a defined gesture. The content application can identify an origination point and surface a two-dimensional selection shape anchored to the origination point. The selection shape may form an original capture area. The origination point is a location on a user interface where the selection shape is to be surfaced, anchored to, and have a capture area expanded from. After surfacing the selection shape, the content application can receive indicia of expansion, and based on the indicia of expansion, expand the selection shape from its original capture area to an expanded capture area to capture content proximate the original capture area.