The key to using the pen tool to select areas is to master anchor point control and path closure. 1. The anchor points should be precise, and complex edges need to be laid out multiple anchor points to fit the outline; 2. After the path must be closed, right-click to select "Create Selection", and set the feather value of 0.5~1 pixel to improve the naturalness of the edge; 3. You can save and modify the path multiple times through the "Path" mode, or use the "Shape" mode to directly generate the selection; 4. Zoom in the picture to depict the edges carefully to avoid distortion caused by too few or too many anchor points; 5. The pen selection is more refined and controllable than magic wands and quick selection, and is more efficient after proficiency.
Using pen tools to select areas in Photoshop is actually a very practical technique, but many people have not mastered it well. The key is to understand the relationship between the path and the selection, and pay attention to the control of the anchor points when operating.

Steel point positioning is the foundation
The core of the Pen Tool (P) is the anchor point and directional line. When drawing the path, an anchor point will be added for every click. Drag to adjust the curve. If you want to make precise selections, such as picking hair and objects with complex edges, you need to place more anchor points and tie the outlines as well as possible. A common mistake for beginners is that there are too few anchor points that lead to path deviations, or that there are too many and it is difficult to control. It is recommended to enlarge the image (Ctrl) and slowly draw the area close to the edge. Don’t be afraid of being slow. The more accurate this step, the easier it will be.

Only after the path is closed can you transfer the selection
When you draw a circle along the target and return to the starting point, the path closes. At this time, right-click the path and a menu will pop up, and just select "Create Selection". Remember to set the feather value before creating the selection. Generally, 0.5~1 pixel can make the edge more natural, especially suitable for objects with translucent or blurred edges. If you don't close the path, right-click it directly, there will be options that will become selections, but the effect may be incomplete and errors are prone to errors.
Switch paths and selections in two ways
One is to draw the path with a pen first and then convert it to a selection; the other is to use the pen tool in the "Shape" mode to automatically generate the selection while creating the path. The latter is suitable for regular graphics, such as rectangular and circular areas, while the former is more suitable for free contours. If you want to modify the path multiple times and then generate the selection, it is recommended to use the "Path" mode, which will not affect the current layer content.

- Right-click after checking the path > Create selection
- You can save the path through the "Path" panel and continue to use it next time
- Press Ctrl and click on the path thumbnail can also quickly convert to selection
Basically that's it. You may feel troublesome at first, but after practicing a few times, you will find that making a fountain pen is more refined and controllable than a magic wand and quick choice.
The above is the detailed content of How to use the pen tool to make a selection in Photoshop. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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