 |
|
Step 2 of this comprehensive guide on using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop for creating Shapes and Paths or even making selections.
Go to Step: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
|
| |
|
 Creating a Curve Using the Pen Tool:
|
When using the Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop to create curved paths or shapes, always drag the first direction point in the direction of the bump of the curve (i.e. if you want your curve to arc downwards, click and drag the first anchor point downwards), and drag the second direction point in the opposite direction to create a single curve. If both direction points in the same direction, that will create what is known as an "S" curve.
So how do you create two arches in Photoshop that are going in the same direction, such as the top of a rounded “m”? Simple:
Click once and drag in the direction of your first bump, in this example we will be dragging upwards. Then move to the right some and click and drag the next point in the opposite direction.
Now here is the plot twist. In order to create a second upward arc right after the first one, we need to play with the handles of the second anchor. Hold Alt on your keyboard to switch temporarily to the Convert Anchor Point Tool, then click and drag the bottom handle upwards. |
 |
 |
Finally, move to the right again and click and drag in the opposite direction of the curve (downwards, in this example) to create the last anchor point.
Ta-da! You've now created an "m" shape on your canvas in Photoshop! |
 |
Tips:
|
When using the Pen Tool to draw a series of curves, draw one arc at a time, and place anchor points at the beginning and end of each one. Avoid placing anchor points at the tip of the curve.
Use as few anchor points as possible, placing them as far apart as possible when using the Pen Tool to draw anything in Photoshop. This decreases the file size and reduces the potential for printing errors.
Manipulating a Curve:
|
Just as we discussed with the arc in the previous Using the Pen Tool step, you can adjust, add, or delete anchor points to manipulate your curve after creating it. If you wish to manipulate a whole curve, hold Ctrl on your keyboard while adjusting the anchor or handle points. If you only wish to adjust half the arc in Photoshop, hold Alt on the keyboard while adjusting the handle points.
Adding or Removing Points:
|
By switching from the Pen Tool to the Add or Delete Point Tools, you can add or remove points from any Line, Arc, Curve, or shape that you create in Photoshop. You can return to edit, add, or remove points from your project at any time until the point that you delete the path, or rasterize a Shape (with the exception of when you use the Fill Pixels mode, which is not editable).
Combining Curves and Lines:
|
What if you wanted to combine arcs and straight lines when using the Pen Tool? Simply begin your curve normally. Add your anchor points by clicking and dragging in the direction that you want the curve to arch. When you get to the point where you wish to begin the straight line, click and drag the anchor point in the opposite direction as the last point (to create the single curve on one side).
Now, here is where the change occurs. Holding Alt on your keyboard, click the anchor point.
This will remove one of the directional handles on that anchor and will create a straight line from this point to the next one.
What if you started using the Pen Tool with straight lines and want to insert a arc? That is even easier. Single-click your anchor points (no dragging) to create your lined area and, when you get to the area that you want to curve, hold Alt, click and drag. That will extend a directional handle from the point where you clicked. Your next point will be rounded.
|
|
Please move on to
Step 3 of Using the Pen Tool.
Go to Step: 1 | 2 |
3 |
4
