How do you use the pen tool and the path selection tool to draw and modify paths in Photoshop?

1 Drawing paths with the pen tool

The pen tool is one of the most versatile tools in Photoshop. You can use it to draw straight or curved paths by clicking and dragging on the canvas. To start a new path, select the pen tool from the toolbar or press P on your keyboard. Then, click on the canvas where you want to begin your path. To draw a straight line, click on another point where you want your path to end. To draw a curve, click and drag on the canvas to create a direction handle. You can adjust the shape and direction of the curve by moving the handle. To close your path, click on the first point you made or press Ctrl+Enter (Windows) or Command+Return (Mac).

2 Modifying paths with the path selection tool

The path selection tool allows you to move, resize, rotate, and transform your paths. To use it, select the path selection tool from the toolbar or press A on your keyboard. Then, click on the path you want to modify. You will see a bounding box around your path with anchor points and handles. You can drag the anchor points and handles to change the shape of your path. You can also use the options bar to change the alignment, distribution, and transformation of your path. To select multiple paths, hold down Shift and click on the paths you want to modify.

3 Filling paths with colors, gradients, and patterns

Filling a path means applying a color, gradient, or pattern to the area enclosed by the path. To fill a path, select the path you want to fill with the path selection tool. Then, go to the Paths panel and click on the Fill Path button at the bottom. You will see a dialog box where you can choose the fill type, mode, opacity, and blending options. You can also use the Paint Bucket tool or the Edit > Fill command to fill a path.

4 Stroking paths with brushes, pencils, and erasers

Stroking a path means applying a brush, pencil, or eraser stroke along the edge of the path. To stroke a path, select the path you want to stroke with the path selection tool. Then, choose the tool you want to use for stroking from the toolbar, such as the Brush tool, the Pencil tool, or the Eraser tool. You can adjust the settings of the tool in the options bar, such as the size, shape, hardness, and opacity. Then, go to the Paths panel and click on the Stroke Path button at the bottom. You will see a dialog box where you can choose the tool, mode, opacity, and simulate pressure options.

5 Saving and loading paths

You can save your paths as part of your document or as a separate file for future use. To save a path as part of your document, go to the Paths panel and double-click on the name of the path. You can rename your path and click OK. Your path will appear in the Paths panel with a thumbnail and a name. To save a path as a separate file, go to the Paths panel and click on the menu icon at the top right. Then, choose Save Path from the menu. You can choose a name and location for your path file and click Save. To load a path from a file, go to the Paths panel and click on the menu icon at the top right. Then, choose Load Path from the menu. You can browse for your path file and click Load.

6 Converting paths to selections and masks

You can convert your paths to selections and masks to apply adjustments, filters, and effects to your images. To convert a path to a selection, go to the Paths panel and click on the Load Path as a Selection button at the bottom. You will see a selection outline around your path. You can use the selection tools to modify your selection or use the Select > Modify menu to refine your selection. To convert a path to a mask, go to the Layers panel and select the layer you want to mask. Then, go to the Paths panel and click on the Add Layer Mask button at the bottom. You will see a mask thumbnail next to your layer thumbnail. You can use the mask tools to edit your mask or use the Properties panel to adjust your mask.