Adobe Creative Cloud Design Tools All-in-One For Dummies by Smith Jennifer

Author:Smith, Jennifer [Smith, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2013-08-04T14:00:00+00:00

Figure 4-13: Cloning in perspective.

Chapter 5: Using the Photoshop Pen Tool

In This Chapter

Selecting the Pen tool for the task

Using a path as a selection

Creating curved paths

Creating clipping paths

Putting shape layers to work

The Pen tool is the ultimate method to make precise selections. You can also use it to create vector shapes and clipping paths (silhouettes). In this chapter, you see how to take advantage of this super multitasking tool. This chapter also shows you how to apply paths made with the Pen tool to create selections, shapes, and silhouettes using clipping paths.

If you’re interested in fundamental practices when using the Pen tool, check out Book III, Chapter 5, where we cover the Pen tool in more detail. Using that lesson helps you in Photoshop, too, because the Pen tool works essentially the same way in both Illustrator and Photoshop.

We recommend that you use the Pen tool as much as you can to truly master its capabilities. At first it may seem awkward, but it gets easier! Knowing how to effectively use the Pen tool puts you a grade above the average Photoshop user, and the quality of your selections will show it. Read Book III, Chapter 5 for tips and tricks on how to use the Pen tool. It works very much the same in all the Adobe programs.

Selecting the Right Pen Tool for the Task

Select the Pen tool from the Tools panel, and note the default mode setting of the Pen tool on the left side of the Options bar. You can select the following options from the Pick Tool Mode drop-down list, as you see in Figure 5-1:

Shape: Creates a new shape layer, a filled layer that contains the vector path.

Path: Creates a path only; no layer is created.

Pixels: Creates pixels directly on the image. No editable path or layer is created. This option may not be useful to new users, but some seasoned users prefer it because it’s the only way to access the Line tool from earlier versions.

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