Bitmap or Raster
images are based
on a grid
of pixels
Vector graphics are
defined by lines
and curves and
mathematical expressions They
retain crispness when
scaled ..
A vector shape outline
is a P A TH
Paths
contain no pixels and can be open or closed. They may contain
several path components ,
a "compound" path
Paths not print
unless stroked & /
or filled
Pen Tool
Sometimes
easier to draw
a path first
and then convert
to a selection
Also see the
Freeform Pen ( and
magnetic or "rubber band" option )
Change direction at Anchor Points. Points create a corner or a smooth transition
Path segments are straight lines or curves between anchor points
Use Paths tab
in Layer palette
Check Options Paths ,
Probably magnetic not
selected if using Freeform Pen Add to path area selected
Straight lines
Click once
to “place“ start ,
add corner points
and end point
Click over
start to close
the path
Click over
the Pen Tool icon
to end an
open path
Curves
can be smooth curves ( symmetrical ) and
angular corners
Fewer points
make better curves
and smaller files
Click a starting point at 1
Click a point at 2 and drag up to 3 to place
a handle to
get a smooth
point ,
Release 3 and click
to place next
point 4 and drag to 5
Click and drag with Direct selection tool
to move points
Path Selection tool
Click in or on path to select it
or
drag a marquee around the path
Direct
Selection tool Click
on points
To Convert Corner point
to Smooth
Convert point
tool onto the
corner anchor point
and drag
To Convert Smooth to
Corner point
Convert point
tool onto the
corner anchor point and
click
Edit path by
moving points and
adjusting handle length
and position
To add an anchor
point Click on
line
To delete an anchor
point Click on
a point
Save and name
paths
Converting Path to
Selection
Rt Click Path
Selection tool Make
Selection
Converting
Selection to Path
Make a selection
Paths Tab /
activate path layer
bar / Rt
click / Make
a Selection (
+ or - to
selection )
Ctrl +
J New layer
via copy
Shape Layers
A shape layer
is filled with
pixels and its
associated vector mask
decides what is
visible .
Check Options
Note icons for
Shape layer , Create
work paths or
pixel filled shapes
Click and drag while drawing -
Shift
Constrains proportions
Ctrl Draw from
click point
Shift & Ctrl
Keep proportions annd draw from clicked point
Spacebar Move while
drawing
Add a layer
style
The shape layer
stores the outline
in the Paths
palette where the
shape can be
edited
A postscript printer
uses the vector
information to scale
an image and
gives sharp outlines
But -- an image
resolution of 300
ppi usually prints
OK on an
inkjet .
Direct
Selection Tool Change
points
With Paths layer bar selected, use the Direct selection tool and click on the shape. Patrh and anchor points appear
Click on a point and a;ter it
You can-
Change layer blending
mode
Add a layer
mask to change
what is visible
To edit the vector
path use the Direct Selection
Tool
Getting Shapes
Custom Shapes
Fonts
as shapes. Try dingbat fonts.
Font character to
Custom Shape
Type a single
character and commit
it .
Layers / Type / Convert
to Shape
Edit / Define
Custom Shape
Shape is added
to bottom of
current custom shape
palette .
(Use Preset manager
to save outside
Photoshop for permanence .)
Vectors and Text or Shape
Select the type
layer
Layer / Type
/ Convert to
shape
Direct
Selection Tool to
control points
Reposition points and change curves . Can use Convert Point Tool
Path Palette
Review bottom icons
Fill path
( right up to
path )
Stroke path
( centered on the
path )
Selection from
path
Path from
selection
Create new
Delete
Five different “paths”
Work path .
This is temporary unless named
and saved
Saved path
Clipping path
– what part
of an image
is visible
Shape layer
path
Vector mask
path
Compound Paths Two or more
subpaths that interact
See Options bar
Add to
Subtract from
Intersect with
Exclude from