Tutorial #2: Using the Pen Tools

Sometimes you will find it far easier to use selection tools other than the Magic Wand or Lasso tools. Another option available is the Pen Tools. These let you make selections around basic to complex shapes, letting you manipulate their path to fit around your subject.

Have a look through this tutorial/article, and then have a go at using the Pen Tools on the follow-up tutorial.

From left to right, here's what each tool does:

Pen Tool: is used to create new anchor point to form a path.

Magnetic Pen Tool: is used to automatically sence the edges of image areas so that you can easily create a path.

Freeform Pen Tool: allows you to draw any shaped path you want. It then automatically converts you shapes into a smooth path.

Add Anchor Point: adds a new point along the path at the place where you click. When the Pen Tool is selected, you can access the Add Anchor Point tool by pressing the plus key. (+)

Delete Anchor Point: removes a point along the path when you click on an existing anchor point. When the Pen tool is selected you can access the Delete Anchor Point tool by pressing the minus key. (-)
 

The best way to get to grips with some of these tools is to really have a play with them. So, from the Tool Box, select the Pen Tool or press the 'P' key.

Plot a square shape by pressing once on the canvas to place an anchor point for each corner.
 

Either get the Add Anchor Point tool from the tool box or press the '+' key. Add another four anchor points to our original sqaure. Place one between each of the corner anchor points.

You should now notice additional 'handles' to the anchor points.
 

Select the Direct Selection Tool from the Tool Box or press the 'A' key. Click once on the middle anchor point to activate it (you should now see a black square with two smaller squares either side of it). Click on the small square on the right and move it down. The straight line now becomes a curve.

Repeat this process for the bottom anchor point.
 

Choose the Save Path command and give your path a name.

You will notice at the bottom of the Paths palette six small icons. These are (from the left): Fill path with foreground colour: Stroke path with foreground colour: Load path as a selection: Make work path from selection: Create new path and Delete current path.