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Photoshop Selections and Pen Tool Paths

1. Improved Vector Handling
   This Vector and pen tool Web site is decent. It breaks down the different details and uses of the pen tool that may be difficult to graspe and calls them "quirks." The site deals with learning clipping paths and work paths. The diagrams and examples aren't the greatest, however there is a tutorial that you can go to after that may help, if you can figure how to bring up the tutorial. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Resources Report and -- Site content author: Grames++ in partnership with Amazon.com. This link was submitted by: Marietta, posted on 2/25/2003
2. Power Tips for Photoshop 6.0: Vector Graphics
   This site discusses the Custom Shape capabilities of the Pen Tool, specifically the three modes: Create Filled Region, Create New Work Path, and Create New Shape Layer. The author informs the reader about modifying shapes using the Path Component and Direct Selection tools and also how to save the shapes to the Custom Shapes Menu. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Resources Report and -- Site content author: Builder.com (subsidary of CNET networks). This link was submitted by: King, posted on 2/25/2003
3. Carl Volk's Photoshop Tip of the Month
   This tip was not actually directly about the pen tool. The author used this web site to suggest better ways of selection. He suggest that the lasso and pen tools are better than the magic wand tool. As far as information about the pen tool, he does give some valubale information on when it is best to use it. He says that for more critical paths the pen tool is perfect because it can easily be altered. I think this is a good website to check out. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Apogee Photo Magazine. This link was submitted by: Sadick, posted on 2/25/2003
4. Vector Illustration 1 Tutorials @ Computer Arts
   Site gives a step by step explination, using familiar terms such as 'Marching Ants'. Starts at a beginning level, and goes up to advanced. Good for any Photoshop user, informative yet intersting to look at. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Future Publishing Ltd. This link was submitted by: Unger, posted on 2/25/2003
5. Quick Tip: Cutting Corners in Adobe Photoshop
   And once again Fred, the report slipped my mind until this morning, even with a huge note above my desk that reads "DO THE WEEKLY REPORT", oh well....I did find this site dealing with modifications of path-based objects, seems to be potentially helpful for others Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: CreativeMac . This link was submitted by: Newton, posted on 2/25/2003
6. Creativepro.com The Digital Dish: Follow the Vectors
   Not only shows you how to use vectors, but also gives an explination of what they are and why they may be important to the user. Needs to be used by someone who is somewhat familiar with Photoshop, I had no problem understanding it. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Resources Report and -- Site content author: Creativepro.com. This link was submitted by: Lauren Unger, posted on 2/25/2003
7. Silhouettes
   As I continued to look through website after website I caught on to the idea that the Photoshop pen tool is the most effective drawing and selection tool when it comes to accuracy with complex images. One tip that I picked up while reading this tutorial was the usage of the Command key to close a selection while using the pen tool. For some reason I always have trouble completing the path without creating a loop at the closure point. I also learned that "Option-clicking on the anchor point will hide the curve handle for the segment to follow, leaving only the curve handle for the segment you just created." I found this trick to be very useful as well because I always seem to pull the wrong handle when I try to fix a curve. I just keep learning new tricks of the trade! Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Dartmouth College. This link was submitted by: Wolfe, posted on 2/25/2003
8. Silhouettes/Paths/Working with the Pen Tool
   This site explains how to create paths by using the pen tool. The site gives a tutorial with multiple steps describing the process of making a path by using the pen tool to create anchor points. It also explains how to alter the path created by using the direct selection tool. Overall, it is a very useful site that gives a comprehendable tutorial for the basics of using the pen tool. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Dartmouth College. This link was submitted by: Girard, posted on 2/25/2003
9. Photoshop tutorials: Pattern wire[PS 7]
   This site caught my eye, first of all, because it was created by someone who has never had formal training the the field of web or graphic design. She is a full-time Mom who just so happened to use the "pool" of internet knowledge to teach herself to design websites and tutorials. Pretty interesting, huh? The tutorial that I looked over was concerning the Pen tool. She used it, and by different strokes and fills of the design, made a mess of "wires." Her directions were easy to follow and fairly clear. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Nina Indset Andersen. This link was submitted by: Carissa, Hensley, posted on 2/25/2003
10. Pen Tool
    This website is helpful in teaching students how to draw using the pen tool, freeform pen tool, and magnetic pen options. It provides easy to follow steps to guide the learning process. It also teaches how to add an anchor point, delete an anchor point, and convert between smooth and corner points. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Resources Report and -- Site content author: image light. This link was submitted by: George, posted on 2/25/2003
11. Janee's PS Tutorials
    This is a great site for the pen tool! It shows you everything you need to know if you forgot how to use or just learning to use the pen. If you ever want to know how to make a pattern or a print but your not sure how to make that pen tool work the way you want it to, then this tutorial is for you! Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Janee's PS Tutorials. This link was submitted by: Hickman, posted on 2/25/2003
12. Janee's Photoshop Tutorials
    This site contains a variety of projects to try using Photoshop. The first four happen to deal with using the Pen Tool to create a heart and then progressively doing more to the image to create a seemingly complex image using a series of simple steps. There are also a variety of other projects focusing on different Photoshop tools. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: "Janee". This link was submitted by: King, posted on 2/25/2003
13. The Photoshop Roadmap
    [Note: this is a portal site with links to other sites.] This web site provides the general information of Photoshop. Starting with elements tutorials, it basically covers most of the knowledge of Photoshop. First, the vistors choose the subject and the selection brings the vistor to a narrower subject. Eventually you can link out to the actual tutorial. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Enrique Flouret, Arch. This link was submitted by: Lee, posted on 2/25/2003
14. Working with Vectors part 1
    This website descirbes in detail how to use the pen tool. It has illustrations that make it easy to understand how to use direction lines. It shows how the length of the direction lines will effect the curve of the segment. If you are having any trouble understanding the pen tool, go to this web site. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Pete Bauer. This link was submitted by: Alaina Sadick, posted on 2/25/2003
15. SPOONO: the mecca of web design
    This site serves several functions. For my use at this time, I am making a specific referral to its Photoshop Tutorials. It offers various tutorials such as how to make lighting effects, how to make ice texture, water effects, etc. I looked particularly at what the website had to offer in this area. The maker of this website seems to agree with you, Mr. Showker, in that he holds the Pen tool in very high regard as one of the more important Photoshop tools. This site also offers downloads and some really neat web design tips, as well. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Brian Fusco and Akash Goel. This link was submitted by: Hensley, posted on 2/25/2003
16. Turning selections into paths in Photoshop
    This web site discusses exactly how to turn a selection into a path using Photoshop. The first step is to turn a selection into a path, click on the Make Work Path button in the Path Palette. The author goes on to mention if your selection you created was a complex one; the derived path may need a little adjustment. It's also important to choose an effective Tolerance setting, because it causes the Make Work Path command to be more or less sensitive to slight changes in the shape of the selection. Over all this was a helpful lesson, and would good review in the future. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Claire Desjardins. This link was submitted by: Robertson, posted on 2/25/2003
17. Webclass.ru: The Pen Tool: drawing a star
    this is a neat site that not only explains the pen tool but takes the user through a step by step lesson on how to make a star shape using the pen tool. its easy to understand adn very well done. Departments/Topics: Photoshop Tutorial Report and -- Site content author: Webclass.ru. This link was submitted by: Woodward, posted on 2/25/2003

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