As above -- I'm looking for suitable phrases, metaphors or idioms -- standard or invented -- for *keeping the big picture in mind while picking out selected details*.

This is related to a [previous question](https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/538377/cherry-picking-from-a-bowl-a-tree-or-a-cake) of mine where I was trying to formulate an extended cherry-picking metaphor. But I'm not too happy with the outcome. It sounds very awkward. I'm hoping there are better idioms out there.
So far I've got:

> 
> If you're going to cherry-pick, you've got to size up the whole tree
> first.
> 
> 
> 

Or -- not quite so awkward but clearly a mixed metaphor.

> 
> Cherry picking is all very well, but try not to lose sight of the big
> picture.
> 
> 
> 

Any suggestions welcome

---

Edit: The original is a text in German where the writer wants to say: It's all well and good if you want to choose the functions of (say) a program that suit your needs but you should also know about the other functions. The metaphor works in German. (It's all very well to pick out the raisins, but you should still keep the whole cake in sight.)