Creating a Vector Path via the Paths Palette

Paths created in Photoshop's Paths panel are inherently vector. One common method to generate a vector path, particularly from existing elements like selections, involves using the features within the Paths Palette.

A straightforward way to make a vector path, often from a selection, is by utilizing the commands available in the Paths Palette menu. This method allows you to convert pixel-based information (like a selection boundary) into a flexible, scalable vector outline.

Step-by-Step Guide

To create a vector path using this method, follow these steps as described:

1. Go to the Paths Palette. You can usually find this palette grouped with other palettes like Layers and Channels. If you don't see it, go to the Window menu and select Paths.
2. Click the little submenu arrow located at the top right of the Paths Palette. This opens a dropdown menu with various path-related commands.
3. Select "Make Work Path..." from the options that appear in the submenu.

Once you select "Make Work Path...", Photoshop will prompt you to enter a Tolerance value.

Understanding Tolerance

The Tolerance setting is crucial as it determines how closely the resulting path conforms to the original boundary (typically a selection).

• It will ask you what Tolerance to enter.
• The higher the figure, the more points will appear on the path, which generally results in a path that follows the original shape more closely but can also be more complex and potentially ragged.
• Conversely, a lower tolerance will create a path with fewer points, resulting in a smoother but potentially less accurate representation of the original boundary.

Adjusting the Tolerance allows you to balance accuracy with path simplicity.

What is a Work Path?

When you create a path using the "Make Work Path" command, Photoshop creates a "Work Path." This is a temporary path. While it functions like any other path (you can use it to create selections, fills, strokes, or convert it to a Shape Layer), it will be replaced if you create another new Work Path. To save it permanently, double-click on the Work Path thumbnail in the Paths Palette and give it a name.

This method, accessed via the Paths Palette submenu and the "Make Work Path" command, is a fundamental way to generate vector paths in Photoshop, particularly when starting from a selection or existing image data.