Using Paths

How to Create a Straight-Edge Path

You can use paths to define an image area that you then can select, fill, or outline. Paths are especially valuable for graphic shapes you may want to select repeatedly. You create a path using the Pen tool; you click points that are connected automatically with line segments. This task begins by creating a simple path with straight-line segments; later tasks show you how to create more complex path shapes.

1. Open the File

   Choose File, Open to launch the desired file.
   

2. Select the Pen Tool

   Select the Pen tool from the toolbox (you may have to select it from the pop-out menu of tools that appears after you click this button in the toolbox).
   

3. Place the First Point

   Position the pen over the image area at the spot where you want to start the path. Click once to place an anchor point.
   

4. Place Additional Points

   Click additional points as needed to complete the path. Notice that a straight line is drawn between the points you click with the Pen tool.
   

5. Close the Path

   Place the last point over the starting point to close the path. A circle appears next to the Pen tool when the tool is positioned properly.
   

6. Edit the Path

   To edit the path, choose the Path Selection tool or the Direct Selection tool from the toolbox (click and hold the tool in the toolbox to activate the pop-out menu and select between the two tools). Click and drag the anchor points on the image to modify the path.
   

7. Save the Path

   Choose Window, Paths to launch the Paths palette. Double-click the tile for the path you just created The Save Path dialog box opens. Type a name for the path and click OK to save the path.

How to Edit a Path

Photoshop offers a number of ways to edit a path; you can add, subtract, or move points with ease. You can edit a path at any time—as you're making it or later in the process. This task shows all the ways to edit a path, enabling you to pick and choose the options applicable to your project.

1. Open the File with the Path

   Choose File, Open to launch the file containing the path you want to edit.
   

2. Select the Path

   Choose Window, Paths to launch the Paths palette. Click the title of the desired path to select it. The path becomes visible in the image window as you highlight it.
   

3. Move a Point

   Click the Direct Selection tool in the toolbox. Click in the middle of a line segment to show the points on the path. Click and drag a point to move it. If the point is related to a curved segment, handles appear when you select the point, enabling you to modify the curve.
   

4. Move Multiple Points

   To move multiple points as a group, select the Direct Selection tool and show the points in the path, as described in Step 3. After clicking the first point, press and hold the Shift key and click additional points (the points darken to show that they are selected). When multiple points are selected, click and drag to move them as a group.
   

5. Add a Point

   To add a point to a path, begin by selecting the Add Anchor Point tool from the Pen tool pop-out menu in the toolbox. Select the path you want to edit from the Paths palette, position the cursor over the path segment, and click to add a new point. Click and drag to create a point with a curved path segment.
   

6. Delete a Point

   To delete a point from a path, begin by selecting the Delete Anchor Point tool from the Pen tool pop-out menu in the toolbox. Select the path you want to edit from the Paths palette, position the cursor over the point to be removed, and click to delete.
   

7. Convert an Anchor Point

   A complex path consists of both curved and straight-line segments, which are determined by smooth and corner anchor points, respectively. To convert between smooth and corner points, select the Convert Point tool and position it over the point to be converted. Click to convert a smooth point to a corner point; click and drag to convert a corner point to a smooth point.

How to Convert a Path to a Selection

One of the primary reasons for creating a path is to convert it to a selection. You can convert a path to a selection as long as the path is available. Because paths take less disk space to save than do selections, you probably shouldn't save a selection when you can save the path.

1. Open the File

   Choose File, Open to launch the desired file.
   

2. Create the Path

   Use any of the methods described in the preceding tasks to create a path.
   

3. Choose Make Selection

   Choose Window, Paths to launch the Paths palette. With the path tile selected, choose Make Selection from the palette menu. The Make Selection dialog box opens.
   

4. Enter the Feather Radius

   Enable the Anti-aliased check box and enter a feather amount if you want a selection with soft edges (or if you are making a selection around fine details, such as hair). Click OK to make the selection.
   

5. Deselect the Path