You can create a path from a mask in Photoshop using several methods, depending on your desired outcome (selection, vector shape, etc.). Here are the common ways:
1. Converting a Mask to a Selection:
This is the most basic way to utilize a mask to define an area.
-
Ensure the Layer with the Mask is Selected: In the Layers panel, click on the layer containing the mask you want to use.
-
Right-click on the Mask Thumbnail: In the Layers panel, right-click directly on the mask thumbnail (the black and white image next to the layer thumbnail).
-
Choose "Apply Layer Mask to Selection": This option converts the mask into an active selection on the layer.
Now you have a selection that represents the mask. You can then use this selection for various purposes, such as:
- Deleting content.
- Filling the selection with a color.
- Creating a new layer from the selected area (Layer via Copy or Layer via Cut).
- Creating a new mask based on the selection.
2. Converting a Mask to a Vector Path (Shape Layer):
This method creates a vector-based path that you can edit and scale without losing quality. This is useful for creating logos, graphics, or precise outlines.
-
Duplicate the Layer with the Mask (Optional but Recommended): Duplicate the layer containing the mask. This is a good practice as it allows you to work non-destructively, keeping the original layer with its mask intact. Right-click the layer and select 'Duplicate Layer'.
-
Right-click on the Mask Thumbnail: Similar to the previous method, right-click on the mask thumbnail in the Layers panel.
-
Choose "Add Mask to Vector Mask": This command converts the layer mask to a vector mask that is a component of a shape layer.
-
Create a New Solid Color Fill Layer (Optional, for Visibility): Go to
Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color. This will create a shape layer with a color fill based on your original mask. Adjust the color as needed. The key is that this fill layer now has a vector mask corresponding to the original mask.
Now you have a shape layer whose outline is defined by the original mask. This outline is a path. You can:
- Edit the path using the Direct Selection Tool (A).
- Adjust the fill and stroke of the shape.
- Scale the shape without pixelation.
3. Converting a Mask to a Path Using Channels:
This is a more complex but sometimes necessary method, especially if you have a grayscale mask in a channel and want the outline.
-
Go to the Channels Panel: Access the Channels panel (
Window > Channels). -
Load the Channel as a Selection: Ctrl-click (Windows) or Cmd-click (Mac) on the channel containing the mask's grayscale information (usually called something like 'Alpha 1' if you created it as a saved selection). This will load the luminosity values of the channel as a selection.
-
Convert the Selection to a Path: Go to
Window > Paths. Click on the "Make work path from selection" button (it looks like a dotted circle) at the bottom of the Paths panel. Adjust the Tolerance value in the dialog box that appears. A lower tolerance creates a more accurate, but potentially more complex, path. Higher tolerance simplifies the path. -
Create a Shape Layer: Use the pen tool to create a shape layer, then paste the path copied in step 3 into the shape layer's path properties.
Now you have a work path (or a saved path) representing the selection converted from the channel's grayscale values. You can convert that path into a vector shape.
In Summary: To convert a mask to a shape layer path, apply the "Add Mask to Vector Mask" command; to convert a mask to a selection, apply the "Apply Layer Mask to Selection" command; and to convert a greyscale mask to a path use the channels panel to create a selection that is converted to a path in the paths panel.
