Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Lesson 11: Working with
the Pen Tool
Photoshop includes many vector tools that allow you to create precise
scalable artwork, selections, and masks. In this lesson, you find out
how to build custom shapes and paths using the Pen tool in Pho-
toshop CC.
What you'll learn in this lesson:
•
Using the Pen tool
•
Making a selection with the Pen tool
•
Building a mask with the Pen tool
Starting up
Before starting, make sure that your tools and panels are consistent by resetting your preferences. For more
information, see “Resetting Adobe Photoshop CC preferences” in the Starting up section of this topic.
You will work with several files from the ps11lessons folder in this lesson. Make sure that you have loaded
the pslessons folder onto your hard drive from
www.digitalclassroombooks.com/epub/photoshopcc
. For
more instructions, see “Loading lesson files” in the Starting up section of this topic.
Working with the Pen tool
The Pen tool is one of the most powerful tools in Photoshop; with it, you can create any line or shape that
you need using anchor points that can be rounded, smooth, sharp, or angular. If you are familiar with
Adobe Illustrator, you know the power of the Pen and how it helps you to create precise illustrations, logo
designs, and more. In addition to creating precise selections, you can edit your path using tools such as the
hidden Pen tool features and the Direct Selection tool. The Pen tool in Photoshop is generally used for cre-
