The Pen Tool

[jdvalentino]

I have a silly question.....when using photoshop, and I make a circle, (or any other shape) not created with the pen tool....how do I make a path from that. I know that I can trace the shape/object with the pen tool, and click into paths, but is there a different way to turn it into a path....for text, etc?

[dmrdm]

Say if you use the ellipse tool and make a circle, then look over at your layers palette. There will be a tab titled PATHS. (if it's not there go to Windows>Paths to bring it in) Then look at the bottom of that palette, you'll notice the 2nd icon, a circle, says stroke with brush. Just select your brush, width and color and click on it. It'll stroke it.

You could also use that 3rd icon in, load path as a selection and you get the marching ants.

Now if you're looking to do text on a circle....just get your ellipse tool, make sure that under the word image at the top, you have the paths icon selected (2nd one with a pen in it), make your circle, then click on the text tool and place your curser on the line until you see it change and then start typing. I didn't check to see if there was a tut on this, but have seen tons of them regarding this subject. Hope this helps.

[jdvalentino]

It works....!