The line and shape tools.

The Line and shape tools

The shape tools create a preset range of geometric paths. Paths are outlines which can be used to make selections, or which can be stroked or filled with color. Paths are made from mathematical formulas, called Beziér Curves, which do not print, and which contain no pixels. Paths in the image can be accessed for editing from the Paths palette. The pen tool is also used for drawing paths.

Objects, and lines created with the shapes, and pen tools are called “vector objects” and are edited differently from painted objects, or shapes in an image which are created from pixels. For example, all, or part of a vector object can be selected simply by clicking on it with one of the special selection tools found at #8 in the toolbar diagram at left.

Vector objects are also resolution independent. This means they can be scaled as much as you like with no loss of quality. Since the object exists as a mathematical formula, scaling does not involve the adding or subtracting pixels which would result in image degradation.

To use a shape tool, select it in the toolbar, set its options in the options bar (see below), and then click and drag in the image.

A full description of vector object editing is beyond the scope of these pages. The pen tool is difficult to learn. The shape tools provide an easy way to take advantage of vector object qualities without having to struggle with the underlying concepts.

The line tool is used in the image to draw (perfectly) straight lines.

Note that line width is not chosen by selecting a brush size, but is set according to the Weight value entered in the line tool’s options bar.

To limit the a line to multiples of 45°, hold down the Shift key while dragging.

The color of the line drawn will be the currently selected foreground color. This is set by clicking on the foreground color square in the toolbar, or in the Colors palette.

• Marquee tool
• Move tool
• Lasso tool
• Magic wand tool
• Crop tool
• Slice tool
• Airbrush tool
• Paintbrush and Pencil tools
• Stamp tool
• History Brush
• Eraser tool
• Gradient and bucket
• Blur, sharpen, smudge
• Dodge, burn, sponge
• Path tool
• Text tool
• Pen and anchor
• Shape and line
• Notes tool
• Eyedropper, measure
• Hand tool
• Zoom tool
• Color Picker
• Mode tools

Photoshop Tutorials

	Creating spooky text - 6+7
	Creating 3d Text - 6.0
	Creating Engraved text - 6.0
	Working with colormasks - 6.0
	Using the quick mask tool - 6.0
	Creating perfect rounded edges - 6.0
	Slicing a graphical interface - 6.0
	Creating torn and burnt images - 6.0
	Creating realistic wires - 6.0