Pen tool tutorial
With this tutorial, you'll learn the basics of a really useful tool on Photoshop:
the pen tool.
1) In the menu, point your cursor on
View, then
Show. Click on
Grid. It will help you to align to align the anchor points later. If
the squares are too big or too small,
Edit,
Options/preferences,
Units and rulers. Change the options and you're done.
2) Make sure all the options on the picture below are selected.
3) In the menu, point your cursor on
Window. Click on
Paths. A
new window called "paths" should appear. Click on the little sheet to create a
new path.
4) Now, it's time to use the pen tool. Look on the picture below. You can see
other tools that complete the pen tool. Click on the first one.
5) To create a shape, you need to place different dots called "anchor points".
So, click on the intersection of a vertical and an horizontal line. Try to
create the shape on the image below.
6) Now, you need to give some curves to that spiral. Click on the convert tool
(the 5th tool in the step 4 picture). To change the angle of an anchor point,
leave your finger on the mouse's left button and move the mouse. 2 lines will
appear: to the left and to the right of the anchor point. Move your cursor until
you obtain something similar to the picture below. You only need to modify the
anchor points cercled in red.
7)Click on the path to select it. Then, select a type of paintbrush and a color
you like. Click on the little cercle (see the picture below).
8)There you go! This shape is really simple, but you can create some fantastic
brushes once you master the pen tool!
Copyright © Laurence, 2008, coded using
Coffee Cup
