One of the most powerful tools for editing is Photoshop to create an image; though not everyone can afford the full version of the desktop version of Photoshop, this is not a problem either because Adobe provides Photoshop online as a convenient alternative and lets most of the same features right from your browser.
The Pen Tool will be the most indispensable tool in Photoshop and online. It will come in handy quite frequently when trying to create paths, shapes, and selections. If you’re new to the online Photoshop Pen Tool, this article will guide you through it step by step.
What is the Pen Tool?
One of the strengths of the Pen Tool is that it can create vector shapes and paths. It works wonderfully with precise drawing and editing for custom shapes and outlines and even an intricate selection of small portions.
The Photoshop online version of the Pen Tool works almost exactly like its desktop edition counterpart. If you’re one who learns fast by practising a little, then you could work with it like a pro.
Why Use the Pen Tool
The Pen Tool would be ideal for drawing smooth, clean lines and shapes. It’s particularly helpful for designers who would be working with logos, cutting out objects, or illustrating. Using Photoshop online will surely help you get quality results that only advanced software on your computer might offer.
It looks complicated to use at first glance; however, once you have the basic concepts down, you’ll find that it is much easier than you anticipated.
Getting Started Using the Pen Tool in Photoshop Online
As soon as you open the Pen Tool in Photoshop online, you need to specifically define what you want to outline or what shape you intend to draw. Use the Pen Tool if you want to trace the outline of an object or if you simply want to draw a particular shape.
- Now, open Photoshop online in your browser.
- Open or create a new image file.
- Click on the left side of the screen to access the toolbar and choose the Pen Tool.
Basic Pen Tool Operations
There are several basic operations you can use to create both straight and curved lines with the Pen Tool.
Make an Anchor Point: Anchor points are added every time you click. These define the path.
Make a Straight Line: Click from one point to another to make a straight line between the anchor points.
Make a Curve: Click and drag to make a curve between anchor points.
With these simple actions, you will be able to start generating shapes, paths, and outlines in Photoshop online.
Drawing straight lines with the Pen tool
To make a line, simply click to place one anchor point then click elsewhere to place another anchor point. Online Photoshop will automatically draw a line that is straight between those points. Click multiple times to set multiple points and build a polygonal shape.
Drawing Curves with the Pen Tool
The power of the Pen Tool is drawing curves. To create an online curve in Photoshop, place an anchor point by clicking, then extend your direction handles by dragging on the image. Your curve is controlled both in shape and depth by the handles.
The longer the handles are, the smoother the curve is drawn. With practice, you can have smooth, flowing curves that look professional.
Closing a Path
At this point, you would like to close the path. Simply click Back on the first anchor point and you will have Photoshop online indicate this will close the path. A tiny circle next to the Pen Tool appears as you hover near the first point, indicating that you are going to close the path.
Editing Your Path
One of the key advantages of the Pen Tool is that it is quite flexible. Once you create a path, you can always step back and adjust it. For the online edition of Photoshop, you can change anchor points, and you can fine-tune curves.
Use the Direct Selection Tool to click on an anchor point and drag it to a different location. Then, you can further refine the curve using the curve handles.
Insert and Delete Anchor Points
At times, you’ll want to insert additional anchor points to fine-tune your path or delete points that are not part of it. Photoshop online has an easy way to do this. Select the Add Anchor Point tool or Delete Anchor Point tool from the Pen Tool option and click along the path at whichever point is required. This is helpful in fine-tuning intricate paths.
Converting Anchor Points
Curved lines may be turned into straight ones and vice versa. With Photoshop online, you can use the Convert Point Tool to change any anchor point. The Convert Point Tool Convert a curved point to a straight line or vice-versa. Click on a curved anchor point in order to change it to a straight line, or click on a straight point and drag it in order to curve it.
Making Use of Paths for Selections
One of the most common uses for the Pen Tool in Photoshop is for creating precise selections. After you have drawn the path, right-click and choose “Make Selection.” This will then turn the path into a selection that can be used to remove an object or modify parts of your image.
Paths and Shapes Combination
In addition to creating outlines and selections, you can use the Pen Tool to make custom shapes in Photoshop online. You can draw many paths and then interlock them, making it possible to produce more complex shapes. This feature is very handy for logo design, illustration, and graphic work.
Tips to Master the Pen Tool
Practice regularly: This tool will be very challenging at first, but regular practice allows you to improve.
Zoom in: When working on detailed parts of an image, zooming in helps place anchor points more accurately.
Use shortcuts: Mastering keyboard shortcuts will greatly help your workflow when using Photoshop online.
Play with curves: Spend some time getting used to curving lines. The more you get accustomed to creating curves, the better your designs will look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too many anchor points: Too many anchor points can give your path a jagged look. Try to use the minimum number of points as possible.
Overcomplicating curves: Begin simple, and don’t try to overcomplicate your curves. Start with something simple and go on to more complex shapes.
Not using the handles properly: Smooth curves are much dependent on the direction of the handles. Always stretch and adjust these handles carefully.
Conclusion
The Pen Tool is an all-around useful tool for anyone who is serious about design and photo editing in Photoshop online. Mastering the creation of paths, selections, and shapes may take some time, but with practice, it will be the big difference maker that separates average designers from great ones.
