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Other drawing tools such as the Brush tool, pencil tool in Photoshop works on
pixels, but the pen tool creates a vector path. We can create, modify, store,
and reuse the paths created using the Pen tool.
Generally, the pen tool is used to create an illustration. Another use of the pen
tool is to remove an image object from the background. Usually, we choose
the tools such as the quick selection tool, magic wand tool, and magic eraser
tool, which automatically selects similar color pixels. But, in fewer cases, these
tools will not be so much effective and unable to catch the required object
properly. For such cases, the pen tool will be the finest tool to trace the object
properly.
Using Pen Tool, we can create multiple paths within an image or multiple
paths segments within a path. It allows us to create custom shapes on our
image.
o Pen Tool
o Freeform Pen Tool
o Add Anchor Point Tool
o Delete Anchor Point Tool
o Convert Point Tool
All these tools are used to draw and manipulate the shape. These tools allow
us to suit our needs and creative style:
The standard pen tool is used to create vector shapes by creating straight
segments and curves.
The Freeform Pen tool is used to draw paths, just like the pencil tool. It does
not allow us to precisely create curves and segments. It is just a hand drawing
tool.
The Add Anchor point tool allows us to add an anchor point to the created
path. It is also a very good tool for manipulating our shape precisely after
creating it.
The Delete Anchor point tool is used to delete an anchor point from the curve.
The Convert Point Tool is used to edit the existing vector shape and paths. It
converts anchor points into corner anchor points and vice versa. It is a useful
tool for stretching a shape from the line. Generally, the anchor point is
available at the starting and end of the line. But, using this tool, we can create
an anchor anywhere on the line by converting the smooth anchor point into a
corner anchor point.
Before start working with the pen tool, make sure that path should be visible
because the path and pen tool goes hand in hand.
Don't get disappointed in the beginning, the pen tool may be difficult to work
with, but you can adjust the shape or path after creating it.
The pen tool is mostly used to create illustrations and trace the images.
Designers also used it to remove the background of the image. Because the
Photoshop AI selection tools such as quick selection and magic wand tools
sometimes fail to recognize the object exactly. But, the Pen tool precisely let
us select the objects. So, we can select the region of the image that we want
to capture.
Note: To cycle through the Pen tool, press the Shift + P key combination.
To work with the pen tool, we have three different options available: Shape
Layers, Paths, and Pixels at the top bar of the workspace:
To draw with the pen tool, first, we need to activate the pen tool. We can
activate the pen tool by pressing the P key, or we can click on the below icon
in the toolbox given at the left of the workspace:
After that, select the tool options as path (to create a path) from the top bar.
Now, we can draw a shape or path using the pen tool. We have to choose a
starting point and an endpoint. To draw a curve, drag the endpoint to the
respective direction. It will create a curve. Use the Alt/opt-drag in the lines to
change them, and Ctrl/right-click the paths in the paths tab given the right to
the screen and select fill path for creating a shape using the paths.
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After creating a shape, we can customize it by right-clicking on it. There we
will find the following options:
We can choose any of the options from this menu. For example, to fill the
color in the created shape, we can choose the Fill path option. It will open the
below window to define the color and opacity of the path:
We can adjust this image after creating it by using the add anchor point or
remove anchor point pen tool. The shapes created using the pen tool are very
flexible; we can adjust them whenever we want.
Follow the below steps to trace an object using the Pen tool.
To extract the background layer, double-click on the image layer and create a
new layer. Now, we can perform editing on our image.
Now, select the pen tool by pressing the P key or select it from the toolbox
given at the left to the workspace.
Step4: Start tracing the object
Now, start tracing the image. Pick a proper starting point and draw the shape
over the edges of the object. While selecting, make sure to select the proper
endpoint so that you can precisely select the edge of the object by dragging
other points. Press the Alt-click to the endpoint to drag the shape with
another point. Repeat this process until the object is completely selected.
Consider the below image:
In the above image, we have traced the apple using the pen tool. Now, we can
fill or stroke this selection. To complete this shape close the path with the
starting point.
Thus, we can create a path or shape using the freeform tool. It is the simplest
way to draw something precisely.
To manipulate the shape using the add anchor point tool, follow the below
steps:
o Select the anchor point tool from the pen tool option from the toolbox
given at the left of the workspace. Click and hold on the pen tool
option and select the add anchor point option from here.
o Select a point on the existing path to add an anchor point.
o Drag the added point and stretch it to a specific direction where you
want to stretch the shape.
o Reshape the shape and leave the point.
o Deselect the tool by pressing the Ctrl + D key combination.
To manipulate the shape using the delete anchor point tool, follow the below
steps:
o Select the delete point tool from the pen tool option from the toolbox
given at the left of the workspace. Click and hold on the pen tool
option and select the delete anchor point option from here.
o Select a point on the existing path to remove it from the path.
o It will be deleted by just a single click, and the path will be added to the
next available anchor point.
o Reshape the shape using the tool handler.
o Deselect the tool by pressing the Ctrl + D key combination.
Conclusion:
We have discussed pen tools and their sub tools such as add anchor point,
delete an anchor point, freeform tool, and convert anchor point tool and their
usage. Now, we can create and manipulate a vector shape or path by using
these tools.