To save a work path you just need to rename the path layer by double-clicking. Work Paths are temporary and easy to delete or clean out. When starting a path this panel creates a new layer using the italicized Work Path name. In the layers panel group you should notice a tab labeled вЂњPathsвЂќ. Closed paths are still editable, but that's more of an advanced process which you'll learn through practice. To close a path you need to make enough anchor points to eventually loop back to the original starting position.

This allows you to add bezier handles later in the process вЂ“ but keep in mind this also adjusts your existing path segment so it's best to drag out handles right after laying down each point. To add some handles after the fact you can ALT+Click on the anchor using the Convert Point tool. If you just lay down a new anchor point without handles it will behave more like a square edge or straight line. The inner bezier handle will adjust the previous curve's length and shape, while the outermost handle should point in the direction of your next path segment. Just remember Alt+Click to move the outermost bezier independently, and CTRL+click to adjust either one. But I can't stress enough that using correct positioning for each handle is crucial. Mistakes are common and they are necessary to the learning process. Get comfortable hitting CTRL+Z to backstep when you make a mistake. The opposite handle can be rearranged to adjust the curve without changing anchor points. When positioning the outer bezier handle ensure that it's both angled and long enough to draw another path segment. To access this selection arrow without switching tools just hold CTRL and you'll immediately notice the change in your mouse cursor. After releasing you can edit either of the handles using the Direct Selection Tool. The secret here is dragging each path right where it needs to be and then holding alt while continuing to drag the loose handle.ДЄlt+dragging will allow you to position the outer handle in the direction you need it to go. However you'll notice that as you drag it will also affect the current curve being drawn. This needs to point towards the direction of your next path segment. The primary handle being controlled after dragging is very important. When you click & drag out from a point it creates two handles which are used to adjust the path segment. When you create two anchor points they make a path segment. You'll find a touch of magic in the pen tool's modifier commands. This will make the process so much easier to learn and comprehend as a beginner. Select the pen tool and check the option bar to make sure you're drawing paths and not shapes. The most important part of the pen tool comes with bezier handles and curves. Vector mask selections are another alternative. When tackling more erratic inconsistent objects I would recommend the newer refine edge tool. For example human hair often appears wispy and faded which doesn't make for an easy rendering job. So what isn't the pen tool good for? Anything that requires too many curves or some type of variable opacity. But you'll have the easiest time with clearcut objects featuring nice curves and line segments. You might also use this tool for rendering objects from their background. Icons, characters, buttons, banners, logos, anything where straight and curved line segments are needed. The pen tool is excellent at creating unique shapes from scratch. This means you can easily resize a path and retain clarity.

They can be converted into pixel objects but naturally paths behave as vectors. When drawing segments with this tool you're creating paths. Let's start by clarifying when and how you should use the pen tool. But once it clicks you'll never really forget вЂ“ sorta like riding a bicycle or a similar heartfelt clichГ©. The pen tool could be listed as one of the most difficult skills to grasp. There is no shortcut to hard work and real practice when it comes to learning Photoshop. I'll preface by saying that to get truly comfortable you'll need to spend hours and hours of time practicing.

I do hope this post offers enough useful tips for anyone interested in learning this tool. But there is a rhyme & reason to the madness. At first it's agonizingly difficult and practically mocks every newcomer. Everyone who's tried their hand at Photoshop knows about the pen tool.

Adobe photoshop touch pen tool