Just can't get the hang of the pen tool

[Jon_Are]

Hi all.

I'm having trouble making selections with the pen tool

Every tutorial I read swears that the pen tool is the best method for making a selection, much more precise than the various lasso tools.

I've been practicing a little every day, though, and I just can't get the thing to behave like I want it every time. In my hands, it is anything but precise.

My practice has been mostly on selecting an apple. I do fairly OK until I'm half-way around the apple, but coming back, the tool seems to act in a different manner - I can't get the entire arc I created to line up with the outline of the apple no matter which way I lengthen/shorten/bend it.

So, does anyone here have such skills? To the point where they are totally at ease using this selection tool?

Does anyone agree that, as selection tools go, the pen is The Bomb?

I ask because all the claims I've read seem, at this point, far-fetched. I thought I just needed more practice, but now, I'm not so sure.

Thanks,

Jon

 

[Jon_Are]

OK, let me be more specific.

I'm trying to select an apple.

I click first at 9 o'clock.

I click at 12 o'clock and a straight line forms between my two points. I drag the handles out and the straight line arcs, easily fitting into the curve of the apple.

Now the trouble begins. When I click my third point, at 3 o'clock, the new line between 2 & 3 is not straight, as before, but arced outside of the apple. It is this portion that is impossible to form nicely against the apple.

Proceeding around the apple, I get some initial paths that are straight - these are easy to work with - and others that are arced outside of the apple- these are impossible.

There seems to be no rhyme nor reason why some paths are straght and within the image while others are curved and outside of the image as I proceed around the apple.

And up top, I have the middle (paths) icon selected.

I hope this makes sense.

Jon

 

[iDad]

Photoshop’s Pen Tool: The Comprehensive Guide - Psdtuts+

 

[Jon_Are]

iDad, thanks so much. That looks like a fantastic tutorial.

Jon

 

[blpanther]

personally I never use pen tool to make a selection, mainly brush tool in quicdk mask mode,
I'd give it a go

 

[2pixels]

personally I never use pen tool to make a selection, mainly brush tool in quicdk mask mode, I'd give it a go

Then you're not being smart, because I would like to see you extract an egg for example with the brush while I do it with the pen tool...

Add to that the fact that the selection is completely editable and you're going the point... hopefully...


Mind, you, the pen tool is not suited for all extractions, but for some it can't be beaten.

 

[gohan2091]

I can select objects using:

- Layer Mask
- Extract filter and history brush
- Polygonal Lasso
- Channel Selection and Curves
- Eraser (lol)
- Colour Range

But in most cases the best way is the pen tool. I am still learning how to use it effectively but really, it is the best way!