One of the first steps in learning photoshop is learning how to use pen tool. This is the easiest tool to start, where you only need to understand the simple trick of click and drag.
The pen tool can help you create easy designs utilizing its versatile features. In this article, we are going to share the step-by-step use of this tool.
Let’s learn how you be the master of it!
Step 1: Open a New Photoshop File
The first step of starting a new project is to create a photoshop file. Save a suitable name and set a comfortable size.
Step 2: Choose the Pen Tool
After successfully creating the file, go to the toolbar on the left. There select the pen tool by clicking on the fountain pen icon. In the same section, you will find options for the path selection tool, polygon tool, and the horizontal type tool.
Step 3: Drawing Path with The Pen Tool
Create a new layer in your Photoshop file. Find the pen tool icon at the top of your window, and then click on the drop-down menu. On the right of the icon, you will see three options – shape, path, and fill pixels.
Let’s check out the ways of drawing some of the primary shapes.
Drawing Straight Lines
You can create the starting point by clicking once. Then without dragging Shift-click to make the ending point. A straight line will connect the dots as soon as you determine the ending point.
You can continue the process of adding multiple lines.
Curved Paths
The accuracy of creating a curved line depends on practice mostly. Here you have to click and drag the cursor in the direction to complete the curved path. The length of the arc will depend on how further you drag your mouse.
Once you become a pro at creating a curve, you can draw almost any shape effortlessly.
U-Shaped Curves
To draw a U-shaped curve, drag the mouse downward. Two handles will be created that you can use to determine the acute.
Then move your pointer to the right and make sure it’s parallel with the first points. Then click and drag upward, and a U-shaped curve will be generated.
You can modify the curve anytime. So, don’t worry if it’s not perfect on the first try.
S Curves
Although it seems quite complex, S curves are not hard to create. It needs to determine three points instead of the two that we have seen in the previous example.
At first, create a U curve following the above point. Then move the pointer underneath the second point and drag left to create another U curve in a different direction.
That’s how you can get a complete S curve. Modify it to achieve the perfect shape.
Step 4: Add a New Point to A Path
Sometimes, you might need to modify the existing line for new requirements or various other reasons. But is it possible to change after completing the drawing? Well, it’s actually quite easy – you need to follow only two steps.
Open The Add Anchor Tool:
Go to the options from the Pen Tool icon. Select the Add Anchor option.
Click Along The Existing Path:
Click and release the mouse at the point where you want to make the new anchor point. This will place a new point in your desired spot.
Step 5: Remove A Point
Removing a point is as easy as adding one. You have to use the Delete Anchor Tool in this case. It works like the reverse of the adding tool.
After selecting the Delete Anchor tool, click and release on the point you want to remove. The line will disappear the path will be connected by the two nearest anchor points.
How to Cut Images with Pen Tool
Besides drawing, Pen Tool has another excellent use. You can use it for editing images. This tool is pretty effective for cutting out a small portion of a picture.
In this segment, we will guide you to complete the task easily.
Step 1: Select the path option to create a new shape. Remember this time, we won’t make a new shape. Instead, it will prepare the path in the image that we want to cut.
Step 2: map points around the image by clicking the mouse like you do to draw a shape. You can zoom the pic to get a more precise view.
Step 3: load your path as a selection. You will see a dotted highlight around your selected part.
Step 4: use the shortcut Ctrl+J to crop out the selection and paste it onto a new layer.
Now you have successfully cropped out a part of your image. Modify it as you want.
Final Words
Hopefully, this guide to using Pen Tool will help you take your first step in Photoshop. So, start your practice today and show the world your creativity!
See more: How to Remove Backgrounds from Images in One Click
