Pen & Paths 6

Using the 'Pen Tool' and making 'Paths' can frequently cause moments of 'muttering under one's breath' when things don't go according to plan. We all make mistakes - so don't worry. The best thing to do is to be logical and retrace your steps to discover where the error occurred. Use 'History' to step back.

A Common Query - The 'Path' Disappears
There can be several reasons for this; a common cause is that you've clicked on the 'Background' layer.

In the 'Paths' Palette, make certain that the 'path' is 'active. If it's not showing as 'active' (blue), click on it and the Path segment becomes blue, as shown below right.

The Pen Tool Introduction to Making 'Paths' Continued Clive R. Haynes FRPS

Freeform Pen Tool This 'Tool' within the 'Pen Tool' set enables us to make a freehand outline (rather like the 'Lasso Tool'). When the outline is completed it appears as a 'Path' complete with a set of 'Anchor Points' at positions determined by the program. These 'Anchor Points' can be edited and modified in exactly the same way as 'manually' positioned points.

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Problems?
Using the 'Pen Tool' and making 'Paths' can frequently cause moments of 'muttering under one's breath' when things don't go according to plan. We all make mistakes - so don't worry. The best thing to do is to be logical and retrace your steps to discover where the error occurred. Use 'History' to step back. A Common Query - The 'Path' Disappears There can be several reasons for this; a common cause is that you've clicked on the 'Background' layer. In the 'Paths' Palette, make certain that the 'path' is 'active. If it's not showing as 'active' (blue), click on it and the Path segment becomes blue, as shown below right.
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Above: 'Workpath' not activated		Above: 'Wotkpath' activated

It's also useful to keep an eye on the 'Layers Palette,' as when an 'error' occurs, it may just point you in the right direction to understand the problem (see below). For example, you may have accidentally created a 'Shape Layer' somewhere along the route. If you have a 'Shape Layer' (as shown below) and it's unnecessary, delete it.


'Filling' and 'Stroking' functions (see next page) - are 'barred' when icon is 'hovered' over. Check that a 'Shape' Layer hasn't been accidentally created. If one shows in the Layers Palette, delete it. This should clear the problem.