Selecting with the Pen Tool

Selecting with the Pen Tool Using the Pen Tools in Adobe Photoshop CS3

In Photoshop CS3, the Pen Tool is another way to draw shapes or make selections. For more information on making selections, refer to Selecting an Area.

Selecting with the Pen Tool

Using the Pen Tool to make selections allows for a high degree of precision due to anchor points. Anchor points can be adjusted after the path is created. You will begin by creating a path around the object you want to select, which you will then turn into a selection.

Creating a Path

1. From the Toolbox, select the Pen Tool
2. From the Options bar, click PATHS
3. Select your object by clicking at regular intervals around the area
   NOTE: A path is a line of anchor points.
   HINT: This is like creating a shape with the pen tool, except the shape is not filled with the foreground color.
4. Adjust the placement of existing anchor points by clicking and dragging them to better conform to the area you are selecting
5. To add an anchor point,
   1. Select the Add Anchor Point Tool
   2. Click at the desired location on the path
6. To delete an anchor point,
   1. Select the Delete Anchor Point Tool
   2. Click the anchor point you want to remove
7. To convert an anchor point from corner to smooth or vice versa,
   1. Select the Convert Point Tool
   2. Click the anchor point you want to convert
8. Repeat steps 4-7 until the path best represents the selection you want to make

Turning a Path into a Selection

1. To select your path, select the Path Selection Tool
2. From the Window menu, select Paths
3. From the Paths palette, click MENU» select Make SelectionOR
   From the Paths palette, click LOAD PATH AS A SELECTION 
   The Make Selection dialog box appears.
   
4. To feather your selection, in the Rendering section, in the Feather Radius text box, type a number
   HINT: The higher the number, the more pronounced the feathering action will be.
5. To smooth the corners of the selection, select Anti-Aliased
6. Click OK
   The path becomes a selection.
   
   
   Source: http://www.uwec.edu/help/photoshopcs3/pen-tool.htm