Pen tool

Zafkiel · 05-16-2006

Hey guys,
It would be really great if I could get my pen tool to cooperate with me... Anyone know an easy explaination on how to use the stupid thing? *explodes* Thanks,
~Zaf

PS - Sorry if I posted this in the wrong area or re-posted this problem!

sethcapitulo · 05-16-2006

the pen tool ain't like what you said...could be the user...lol...check out total tutorials.com and Biorust Tutorials...

becundo · 05-22-2006

the pen tool aint a stupid thing its an awesome tool.

I recommend you to stop using photoshop and start playing video games.

this aint for you.

Heri · 05-23-2006

The most important thing to remember is to hold down CTRL after you've added all of the points and start editing the path to tweak it up. Be sure to click directly on the handles and points; if you don't click on them while holding down CTRL they will disappear. If they disappear on you, simply press CTRL + Alt + Z a few times to bring them back.

Photoshop's Pen Tool can be a real pain in the butt, especially when compared to a vector program's path and curve capabilities like Inkscape's (one sweet vector program, and it's free). I don't have Illustrator or Fireworks, so can't say for those.

Zafkiel · 05-25-2006

Thanks Heri. I kinda messed with it for a while and I got it to eventually do what I wanted it to do. It took a while, but I'm getting the hang of it. Eventually, that tool will probably end up being my best friend. Thanks for the help!

bedlam123 · 05-26-2006

The pen tool can be a challenge, and becundo seems to have been having a bad day. His advice was not appropriate. You don't learn how to do something without practice. Let us know if we can help further.

gingerbloke · 05-29-2006

I always avoided using it as it baffled me for a long time but then I got some work that forced me to get to grips with it and by the end of the job I was loving it. It's not easy at forst but the time and effort you put in to understand it is well worth it in the long run...hang on in there as I'm sure you wont regret it!

Zafkiel · 05-30-2006

Hey, I really appreciate the support! I still don't really like the pen tool, but everyone says once you can use it it'll be your best friend. heh. So I guess I'll just have to keep at it. Thanks again

**tamlin** · 06-01-2006

It took me quite a while to get to grips with the pen tool - I think it's probably one of the hardest tools to master in Photoshop - but the key is practice, practice, practice. It's worth it in the end. Also, I can heartily recommend Steve Caplin's book How To Cheat In Photoshop. This contains all sorts of really cool stuff, but it has 3 workthroughs showing how to use the pen tool that explain it better than any other tutorial I've seen.

Zafkiel · 06-04-2006

I'll have to go pick up that book. Thanks for the tip Tamlin! <3 You think I can pick it up in Barns & Noble or do I have to order it online?

**tamlin** · 06-05-2006

Well, it's on their website (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...4051985X&itm=1)
so I guess it's available in the store too. As far as I can remember, I got my copy from Amazon.