There are a few tricks you'll need to know about... paths are somewhat difficult
until you get used to them. We believe they make the best method for masking since
they are infinately adjustable.
Our reader is having troubles expanding a path, and selecting multiple paths to use
as clipping paths, or for drop shadows.
Remember you can always expand and add to a path by simply adding anchors. Command/Option
clicking on the path (when using the pointer tool) will add an anchor. (Control/click
with the pen tool.) So simply add some anchors and begin editing the new path parts.
Use the 'convert' anchor tool (empty 'v') to change the properties of those new anchors,
and toggle to the direct select tool to move the anchors into position. (Grab the
arrow tool to select points for moving by holding in the command key.)
Once you have that path looking good, simply make it a selection by choosing the
Make Selection command, or press the enter key when the path or selection tool is
active.
Now to add another path to the currently active selection, then simply shift-enter
or command/shift/click on a path name in the palette. For beginners we recommend
using that Make Selection command until you're familiar with the options. The dialog
box will help greatly.
The above will hide the path, but the Make Selection will affect the actual path
-- so if you copy, cut or otherwise act onthe selection you'll be working on the
path rather then the selection.
Hmmmmm, read on.
#95 Paths Merged???
"I'm
having problems adding to and subtracting from masks that I've built using paths!"
There is no merge paths command in the paths palette?
Well not exactly...
To join two paths into one simply connect two (or more) anchor points with new splines.
However there should be few times when you actually need to do this since you can
act similarly on multiple paths at the same time as described above.
I know some of you will have a better method... please share it with the rest of us.
Design & Publishing Center . / .
Photoshop . / .
Tips & Tricks