In this easy to follow tutorial we'll show you how to make Pen Tool selections in DesignScape.

The Pen tool in DesignScape is a powerful and versatile tool for creating selections. This is especially helpful for projects where other selection tools just don’t cut it. When creating a selection, you have full control and flexibility of where anchor points are placed. In this tutorial you will learn how to create a Pen Tool selection using the Path option.

How to Make Pen Tool Selections in DesignScape

Step 1: Create a Path with the Pen Tool

Let’s get started by opening the image in DesignScape. We will be using the Pen Tool and Path option to create our selection.

Select the Pen Tool

On the left side toolbar, select the Pen Tool. You are also welcome to use the Free Pen Tool if you prefer. Then, on the top left toolbar, click on the drop down menu next to the pen icon. Now choose Path.

Add Anchor Points

Starting at the bottom left of the Corgi, place your first anchor point.

Carry on to place additional anchor points. We will go back and edit the points, so there no need to worry about accuracy just yet.

Place anchor points all around the Corgi design. Then, place one at the bottom where the design and page meet. Place another on the left corner then click on the first anchor point to close the path.

Edit the Anchor Points

Now, before creating a selection, we need to fine tune the anchor points. On the left side click on the Direct Select Tool. This will let you select and edit each anchor point. Path Select will let you select and move the entire path.

Edit each anchor point as needed. When editing anchor point handles, you will notice that moving one side adjusts the other. To edit only one side, hold Alt then click + drag a handle.

To move around the document, hold the Spacebar while clicking + dragging.

Step 2: Make the Path a Selection

On the right side of the screen, next to the Layers Panel, you will see the Paths Panel. If you don’t see the panel, go to Windows > Paths and make sure it is ticked. Now, click on the Paths Panel to open. You will see the path we created called Work Path.

Create a Selection

With this path selected, go to the bottom of the screen and click on Selection. You will now see a dotted line around the path you created.

Create a Duplicate of Selection

We will now make a duplicate of the selection to a new layer. This can be done two ways. The first is to press Ctrl + J and a new layer with the selection will be created. Click on the eye icon of the background to make the layer invisible.

The second way is to go to Layer > New > Layer Via Copy. If you look under the Layers Panel, you will see a new layer created from the selection.

Adjust Size and Position

With the selection on a new layer, you can adjust it however you want. You can resize and reposition the selected area. To resize, make sure the layer is selected, then click on the Move Tool top left.

Be sure to tick the box for Transform controls in order to see the resizing handles. Now, click + drag a corner handle in or out to resize. To move, click + drag the image to a new position on the document.

Now, something to keep in mind. When resizing and moving the selected item, the path will not change with it. If you select the path under the Paths Panel, you will see it has remained in the same place. If you click away from the path layer, it will become invisible on the document.

If you no longer have use for it, you can delete the path. Make sure that you are in the Paths Panel and that the Working Path layer is selected. Do not hit Delete on your keyboard as this will delete the Corgi.

Instead, go to the bottom right and click on the little dustbin marked as Delete.


You can carry on to edit or create a design using the isolated image like we did below. We added some text and a colored background.

 

Using the Pen Tool and Path option is a very effective way to get a clean selection from images. You no longer have to worry about halos or struggling to get everything selected! We hope that you enjoyed this tutorial and can take full advantage of what DesignScape has to offer.