create just about any kind of path<\/a> with this tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![Photoshop Pen Tool icon with shortcut key \"P\" displayed in toolbar.]()
\n\n\n\nThe Freeform Pen Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Freeform Pen Tool allows you to draw with the Pen Tool in the same way you would draw with the brush tool, creating a path as you draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![Photoshop Freeform Pen Tool icon with shortcut key \"P\" shown in toolbar.]()
\n\n\n\n
The Magnetic Pen Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With the Freeform Pen Tool selected, you can check the Magnetic option at the top of the application window and access the Magnetic Pen Tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n
The Magnetic Pen Tool works much like the Magnetic Lasso Tool, allowing you to trace the exterior of a shape within your image. It\u2019s not perfect, however, so we suggest you work with the Standard Pen Tool whenever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n
The Curvature Pen Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\nThe Add Anchor Point Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Add Anchor Point Tool gives you the ability to add more points onto your path once it\u2019s been created. Hover the Add Anchor Point Tool over the part of the path where you want to add a new point and click the mouse to create the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
The Delete Anchor Point Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Delete Anchor Point Tool removes points from your path after the path has been completed. Hover your cursor over the point you want removed and click the mouse to delete the point from the path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
The Convert Point Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Convert Point Tool is extremely useful. If you have a point forming a sharp corner on your path and you want to convert that corner to a curve, clicking the Convert Point Tool will make that happen. Conversely, the Convert Point Tool will remove a curve from a point and convert the point to a corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
Paths vs. Shapes in Photoshop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When you access either the standard Pen Tool, the Curvature Pen Tool or the Freeform Pen Tool, you can set your Pen Tool setting to either Path or Shape in the options bar at the top of the application window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drawing with the Pen Tool when Path is selected creates a new Work Path that appears in the Paths Panel. Drawing with the Pen Tool when Shape is selected creates a new Shape Path that appears in both the Paths Panel and the Layers Panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
When you choose Shape, you can also change a few different settings, including stroke color, thickness and fill color of the shape. We\u2019ll go over the specifics of creating a shape with the Pen Tool at the end of this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
When you choose Path, you\u2019ll see an icon that looks like two small overlapping squares (this icon is also available when Shape is chosen once you\u2019ve already begun drawing your path). If you\u2019re creating an initial path to become a selection, set this option to Combine Shapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u200b\u200bYou\u2019ll see a few other icons in the options bar, but for the purposes of this tutorial, you should leave those at their default values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to use the Pen Tool in Photoshop<\/h2>\n\n\n\nHow to use the Pen Tool in Photoshop to create a path<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The standard Pen Tool allows you to create straight and curved paths with amazing accuracy, but mastering it takes some practice. Don\u2019t get discouraged if it\u2019s difficult at first. You can always adjust a path after you create it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To create a path that you can then use as a selection, choose the standard Pen Tool, and then choose Path in the options bar dropdown menu at the top of the application window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
How to use the Pen Tool in Photoshop to create a new path<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To start your path, click on your image with your mouse where you want to begin your path. To keep things simple, choose a starting point that is at the edge of a straight line, such as the edge of the top of the sock in the image below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up]()
\n\n\n\n
Click again along the edge of your object with the Pen Tool to draw the first segment of your path. You should now see a straight line appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
Also, note a Work Path appears in the Paths panel as soon as you place the second point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create a curved path segment with the Pen Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To create a curve with the standard Pen Tool (such as the curves at the ankle of the sock), click to create the next point and drag with the Pen Tool before you release the mouse button. You\u2019ll see lines, called handles, appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up]()
\n\n\n\n
These handles are tangential to the curve being formed by the path. Moving the mouse around will adjust the handles, which will then adjust the line\u2019s curvature. Once you\u2019re satisfied with the shape of the curve, release the mouse button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note the handles formed from the curved line appear before and after the point. Therefore, the next portion of the path that you draw after creating a curved line will follow the trajectory of the handle from the last point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
When you click the next point, drag the mouse to create new handles and modify the curve that appears with your new point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
Creating a straight path segment after a curved path segment with the Pen Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you want to prevent the next segment of your path from curving along the handle of your last point, you can \u201ccorner\u201d the point by clicking on the point with the mouse while typing ALT<\/strong> (OPTION<\/strong> on Mac). The second handle will disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up]()
\n\n\n\nThe next point you set will be unaffected by the previous curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
Closing your path with the Pen Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once your path is complete, close your path by hovering the Pen Tool over the very first point you set down. When you see a small circle appear to the right of the Pen Tool, click on the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Complete]()
\n\n\n\n
Your path will now be closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to adjust the path you created using the Pen Tool in Photoshop<\/h2>\n\n\n\nHow to save your path<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Saving your path is extremely important at this stage. Without saving, you could accidentally overwrite your hard work when you create another path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To save your path, go to your Paths Panel and look for a new Work Path. Double click on Work Path to name your path and save it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![Saving the path selection of a yellow striped sock in Photoshop, with \"YellowSock\" entered as the path name.]()
\n\n\n\n
How to modify an existing path with the Pen Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve created your path, you can modify any areas that need tweaking. It\u2019s helpful to zoom in on different areas of your path to ensure the path follows the object exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t see your path in your image, click on the path\u2019s name in the Paths Panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![Photoshop Paths panel displaying the saved path named \"YellowSock\" with a sock icon in the selection area.]()
\n\n\n\n
How to add additional paths to an existing path using the Pen Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In our yellow sock example, there\u2019s a path around the outside of the sock. But what if we wanted to cut out a shape inside of the sock for demonstrative or artistic purposes? We can do so by adding an additional path to our existing path. This method also works well for removing interior shapes from certain product images, such as the inside of a mug handle or the loop in an earring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the path selected in the Paths panel, select the Pen Tool from the Toolbar. In the options bar at the top of the screen, click on the icon that looks like two little overlapping squares, and choose Exclude Overlapping Shapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the current path is still visible, begin to draw the area that you want to exclude from your selection with the Pen Tool. Close the path when you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![Yellow striped sock in Photoshop with a saved path outline around the sock and an additional path circled around the toe area. Paths panel shows \"YellowSock\" path saved.]()
\n\n\n\n
How to modify existing points and curves along a path<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To modify an existing point or handle on a path, find the Path Selection tools in the Toolbar. These tools each look like an arrow, and by default are located beneath the Type Tool in the Toolbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you click on the visible Path Selection Tool, you\u2019ll see options. Choose the Direct Selection Tool, which looks like a white arrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
Clicking directly on a path segment with the Direct Selection Tool will reveal all points as white boxes, along with the handles of the selected segment. You can use the Direct Selection Tool to drag visible handles to adjust segment curves or move existing points.<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"Close-up]()
\n\n\n\n
How to add new points to a path<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Add Anchor Point Tool, accessible by clicking and holding on the Pen Tool in the Toolbar, will add extra points along the path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
With the Add Anchor Point Tool selected, hover over the path and click to create a new point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up]()
\n\n\n\n
Once you’ve set down the new point, you can use the Direct Selection Tool to modify the point\u2019s location or its handles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to remove points from a path<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Delete Anchor Point Tool, also accessible by clicking and holding on the Pen Tool in the Toolbar, removes existing points from the path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
With the Delete Anchor Point Tool selected, hover over an existing point until the tool becomes visible and click. The point will disappear, and the surrounding path segments will conjoin into one segment. Be aware this can create some unexpected results if the handles on the surrounding points are particularly long.<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"Before]()
\n\n\n\n
How to use the Convert Point tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Convert Point Tool, accessed by clicking and holding on the Pen Tool, allows you to manipulate handles of existing points the same way you would manipulate handles using the Direct Selection Tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
Unlike the Direct Selection Tool, however, the Convert Point Tool does not allow you to move existing anchor points, because when you click on a point with the Convert Point Tool, the path segments adjacent to the point convert from straight lines to curved lines, and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you click on a point that has handles with the Convert Point Tool, the handles will disappear and the anchor point will become a corner. If the surrounding anchor points have handles, those handles will still continue to affect the curve of adjacent path segments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up]()
\n\n\n\n
How to use a path to remove an object from its background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that your path is created, you can use it over and over again to create selections and use that selection to remove an object from its background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to create a selection from a path<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In your Paths panel, select your path. Then, click on the icon at the bottom of the panel that looks like a circle with a dashed outline. A selection in the shape of your path will appear in your image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![Photoshop Paths panel showing \"YellowSock\" path with selection icon highlighted in red at the bottom.]()
\n\n\n\n
You can also create a selection with the Pen Tool. With the path selected, and with the Pen Tool selected, click on the Selection button next to Make: in the options bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dialog box allowing you to make adjustments to the selection will appear. If you\u2019re creating the selection in order to isolate an object from its background, you should keep the Feather Radius at 0 and keep Anti-Aliased checked. If this is the first selection you\u2019re creating, the radio button next to New Selection will be selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve created your selection, you can use the selection to modify the color of the object or to remove the object from its background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow]()
\n\n\n\n
How to cut out an object from the background<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve created your selection from your path, you can remove the portion of the image from its background by either copying it into another layer, or by creating a layer mask. In order to do any of the following methods, you must be in the layer which contains the image you wish to isolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Removing a background by copying a selection<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You can copy your selection by typing CTRL<\/strong> + C<\/strong> (COMMAND <\/strong>+ C<\/strong> on a Mac) and then pasting the selection by typing CTRL <\/strong>+ V<\/strong> (COMMAND <\/strong>+ V<\/strong> on a Mac). Your selection will automatically appear in a new layer. You can make your original layer invisible in the layers panel to see the isolated object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow]()
\n\n\n\nNote that the small section in the toe of the sock also was removed. This would be a useful effect if we wanted to show how the toes look within the sock. However, if we want to remove that cut-out, simply go back into your original path and your original layer, click on the interior path within the sock with the Direct Selection Tool, and type BACKSPACE<\/strong> (DELETE<\/strong> on a Mac).<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow]()
\n\n\n\nRemoving a background by creating a layer mask<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
To create a layer mask, create a selection from your path using the method described above. Then, locate the Layer Mask icon. This icon is available in both the Paths panel and the Layers panel at the bottom of the panel and looks like a white rectangle with a circle inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow]()
\n\n\n\n
Click on the icon to automatically create a Layer Mask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
How to create a shape using the Pen Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can designate a path to be a Shape Path before you create the path by selecting Shape from the menu in the options bar for the Pen Tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We mentioned this earlier: Next to the Shape option, you can change the shape\u2019s color by double-clicking on the color rectangle next to Fill. A color menu will appear\u2014the top bar of the color menu allows you to change the color by choosing no fill (transparent), a solid color, a gradient color, a pattern or a custom color. The bottom portion of the menu shows available swatches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![Photoshop settings panel with \"Shape\" selected, stroke color red, and color palette options visible.]()
\n\n\n\n
You can also change the shape\u2019s outline color by double clicking on the color rectangle next to Stroke. And to adjust the width of the stroke, change the width in the dropdown menu just to the right of the Stroke\u2019s color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop]()
\n\n\n\n
Once you have your Shape Path\u2019s settings correct, you can draw a shape with the Pen Tool the same way you would draw a regular path.<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"Yellow]()
\n\n\n\n
When you create a shape using the Pen Tool, you automatically create a new Layer containing that shape, as well as a Shape Path in your Paths panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![Yellow striped sock with custom shadow path displayed on transparent background, showing \"Shape 1\" layer and path in Photoshop panels.]()
\n\n\n\n
How to transform or scale a Shape Path<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With the Shape Path selected in your Paths panel, click on the Edit dropdown menu at the top of the screen and choose Transform Path to access any of the transform functions. You can also choose Free Transform Path from the Edit dropdown menu, or type CTRL<\/strong> + T<\/strong> (COMMAND <\/strong>+ T<\/strong> on a Mac) to scale or rotate your path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![Photoshop \"Transform Path\" menu open with options like Scale, Rotate, Skew for yellow sock image on transparent background.]()
\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s a lot of information to remember. Feeling overwhelmed? You can always outsource your background removal and other image-editing needs. Our prices start at just 39\u00a2\/image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Wish you could just hand this over to a pro? Surprise, you can \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
\n
LEARN MORE<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
![\"Simple](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Illustrations\/stress-free-pricing-photo-edits.svg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
FAQs about the Pen Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat does the Pen Tool do in Photoshop?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Pen Tool creates paths that can then be converted to selections or layer masks. The Pen Tool can also create custom shapes within Photoshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the different types of Pen Tool?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The standard Pen Tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Curvature Pen Tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Freeform Pen Tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Magnetic Pen Tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Add Anchor Point Tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Delete Anchor Point Tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Convert Point Tool<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What are some common uses for the Pen Tool?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common uses for the Pen Tool including isolating products from their background, selecting a portion of a product to change its color, creating multiple paths within an image, creating multiple path segments within a path, and creating custom shapes on your image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you use a stylus with Photoshop and the Pen Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes, you can use a stylus with Photoshop and the Pen Tool. With a stylus, you tap to form points and tap and drag to create points with handle curves, instead of clicking and dragging as you would with a mouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you use other Photoshop Pen Tools?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes, you can use any of the six Photoshop Pen Tools listed in this post.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Learn how to use the Pen Tool in Photoshop to edit your ecommerce images and remove the background from your images. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8480,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[68,74,85,92,101,106,116],"class_list":["post-8004","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised","tag-background-removal","tag-color-variants","tag-editing-tips","tag-how-to","tag-photo-editing","tag-photoshop","tag-tutorial"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/yellow-striped-sock-blue-background.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-pen-tool-options-toolbar.png\")
\n\n\n\n![Photoshop interface with the \"Paths\" option highlighted in the \"Window\" dropdown menu for editing tools.](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-paths-panel-selection.png\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-pen-tool-options-paths.png\")
\n\n\n\n![Photoshop Pen Tool icon with shortcut key \"P\" displayed in toolbar.](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-pen-tool-shortcut.png\")
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\n\n\n\n![Saving the path selection of a yellow striped sock in Photoshop, with \"YellowSock\" entered as the path name.](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-save-path-yellow-striped-sock.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![Photoshop Paths panel displaying the saved path named \"YellowSock\" with a sock icon in the selection area.](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-paths-panel-yellowsock-saved-path.png\")
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\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-path-direct-selection-tool-panel.png\")
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\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-convert-point-tool-access.png\")
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\n\n\n\n![Photoshop Paths panel showing \"YellowSock\" path with selection icon highlighted in red at the bottom.](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-paths-panel-selection-icon.jpg\"){kind=icon}
\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-make-selection-dialog-feather-radius.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/yellow-striped-sock-path-selection-outline.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/yellow-striped-sock-transparent-background-after-removal.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/yellow-striped-sock-path-direct-selection-tool-photoshop.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/yellow-striped-sock-layer-path-mask-photoshop.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/yellow-striped-sock-layer-mask-path-photoshop.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![Photoshop settings panel with \"Shape\" selected, stroke color red, and color palette options visible.](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-shape-stroke-settings-color-palette.png\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Photoshop](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/photoshop-shape-stroke-settings-transparent-background.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/yellow-striped-sock-custom-shadow-path-transparent.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![Yellow striped sock with custom shadow path displayed on transparent background, showing \"Shape 1\" layer and path in Photoshop panels.](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/yellow-sock-custom-shadow-layer-settings.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![Photoshop \"Transform Path\" menu open with options like Scale, Rotate, Skew for yellow sock image on transparent background.](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-use-pen-tool-photoshop-beginner-tutorial\/transform-path-yellow-sock-photoshop-options.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n