Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Alt/Option click.
Click at the base of the gum machine.
16
At this point in the lesson, you have covered all the different Pen path variations that you need to
know to complete the path around the rest of the gumball machine. Do your best to follow the gum-
ball machine on your own, but follow these important tips:
•
Zoom in and out frequently to make sure you are following the image. Remember to press
Ctrl+Spacebar (Windows) or Command+Spacebar (Mac OS) to zoom in. To zoom back out, it is
easier to press Ctrl/Command+0 (zero) and then reset the zoom level as needed.
•
Press and hold the Ctrl/Command key to access the Direct Selection tool when you want to edit the
placement of an anchor point or the length and direction of a directional line. When you release the
Ctrl/Command key, your Pen tool is still selected and you can continue your path.
•
If you make a mistake, press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac OS), since it will keep you
path active.
•
If you need to move an anchor point right after you click to create it, press and hold the Spacebar to
reposition it. When you release, your Pen tool is still active.
•
To change direction or go from a curve to a straight path, press and hold the Alt/Option key and
click the last anchor point when you see the carat symbol next to the cursor (
).
•
To create a curve from a straight anchor point, click and drag a directional line from the anchor
point. Follow the direction and angle of the curve.
•
When ending the pen path, Alt/Option+click the last point to close the shape. You need to do this
because you clicked and dragged the initial point, making it a curved anchor point.
Saving your path
In this next part of the exercise, you will save your completed path for use as a selection and mask. Now
that you have a closed path, you will save it for later use.
1
With the file
adps0402_work.psd
still open, choose Window > Paths to see the Paths panel. In the
Paths panel, you see a Work Path. You see a saved path already here that you will use later in this
Lesson.
