Introduction to the Pen Tool

Introduction to the Pen Tool

Learn the basics of working with the Pen Tool in Photoshop. 

When to use

The Pen Tool is a great way to make clean paths and selections when you want to isolate objects in an image.

Instructions

Getting Started with the Pen Tool

• Begin by opening one of the mugs from the resources folder for this lesson.
• Next, select the Pen Tool from the toolbar on the left side. 
• Click somewhere along the top edge of the mug to create your first point.
• From here, you can click your mouse along the edge of the mug to create a second point.
• By clicking and holding the cursor down, and then moving the mouse, you will be able to create a curved path.
• Click and drag to try and follow the curved shape of the outside of the mug.
• As you create your curved paths, you will notice that there will be two handles coming off of the point. 
• You can use these two handles to manipulate the bend and curve of your path by holding the Alt/Option Key and clicking on one of the handles before dragging them around with your cursor.
• The direction and length of your handles will determine which direction your curve will go and how big of an arc you will create.
• If you want to 'reset' the second handle to have more control, simply click on the last point you made to remove the handle.
• Doing this will give you more control over the sweep and direction of your curves.

Continue Tracing the Shape

• Continue to trace all the way around the outer shape of the mug by clicking and creating curved lines that follow the shape.
• Remember that you can adjust the path using the handles.
• If you need to, you can add extra points to the path in order to help you follow the shape you want to trace more closely.
• Once you've traced around the outside of the mug and closed the shape, repeat this by tracing the inner portion of the handle. 

Hints & tips

• The Pen Tool uses anchor points and handles to create paths.
• Clicking on a point will convert it from a point with handles, into an anchor without handles.
• Zooming in and out can be very helpful when you are trying to trace a shape or an object with the most accuracy.