Adobe Photoshop CS2 On Demand [Electronic resources]

Working with Pen Tools

When you work with Photoshop's Pen tools, you're creating a path without the conversion from selection (raster) to path (vector). Vector paths are mathematical and are therefore not hampered by problems with image resolution. For example, a path created in a low-resolution image (72ppi) would function the same as a path created in a high-resolution (300ppi) image. An added benefit of paths is that they take up less room than selections saved as channel masks. When you create a path using the Pen tools, Photoshop automatically creates a path in the Paths palette. If you have an existing path selected, Photoshop adds the new path to the selected path.

Work with Pen Tools

Open a document.

Select the

Standard Pen tool on the toolbox.

Click the

Paths button on the Options bar.

IMPORTANT

To view the segments as you draw, click the Geometry Options list arrow on the Pen Options bar, and then select the Rubber Band check box.

Create an anchor point (or node) by clicking once in the open document.

To create a straight segment (two anchor points connected by a line), move and click again.

To create a curved segment (two anchor points connected by a curved line), move and drag.

Continue to move through the document, clicking or dragging until the shape is complete.

Create a closed shape by moving the Pen tool over the original anchor point and clicking when you see a small circle appear underneath the Pen tool.

IMPORTANT

As with any tool, control is gained through practice. Work with the Pen tool until you can make a path around any shape. The more time you spend practicing, the better your paths will be, and the better your designs.

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