To change the stroke size of a path in Photoshop, you adjust the size setting of the tool you intend to use before you stroke the path. The size of the path's stroke is determined by the size of the tool you select for the stroking process.
Here's how you can control the stroke size when applying a stroke to a path using a tool like the Brush or Pencil:
Steps to Control Path Stroke Size
Stroking a path applies the effect of a selected tool along the path's outline. The thickness (or size) of this stroke is directly linked to the settings of the tool you choose.
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Select Your Path: First, ensure the path you want to stroke is active. You typically do this using the Path Selection Tool (the black arrow) or the Direct Selection Tool (the white arrow) from the toolbar. Your path should be visible in the Paths panel.
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Choose a Tool: Decide which tool you want to use to create the stroke effect. Common choices include:
- Brush Tool (for varied brush effects, opacity, and flow)
- Pencil Tool (for hard-edged lines)
- Eraser Tool (to "stroke" by erasing along the path)
- Other tools like the Clone Stamp or Pattern Stamp can also be used for more advanced effects.
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Adjust Tool Settings (Including Size): This is the crucial step for controlling stroke size. With your chosen tool selected in the toolbar, look at the Options Bar at the top of the Photoshop window. The Options Bar displays settings specific to the currently active tool.
- Locate the Size Option: In the Options Bar for tools like the Brush or Pencil, you will find a size setting. It's often represented by a brush icon with a number next to it. Click on this icon or the arrow next to it to open a panel where you can adjust the Master Diameter (size) of the brush tip.
- Adjust Other Settings: As noted in the reference, you can also adjust the settings of the tool in the options bar, such as the size, shape, hardness, and opacity. These settings will all influence the final appearance of the stroked path.
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Stroke the Path: Once you have the desired tool selected and its size set in the Options Bar, you can stroke the path. There are a couple of ways to do this:
- Using the Paths Panel: In the Paths panel, click on the "Stroke Path with Brush" icon (or the icon corresponding to your selected tool if different).
- Right-Click on the Path: With the Path Selection Tool active, right-click on the path and choose "Stroke Path...". In the dialog box that appears, select the tool you prepared in step 2 from the dropdown menu and click OK.
The path will then be stroked using the tool settings you defined, including the size you set in the Options Bar.
Quick Reference: Adjusting Tool Size
Most tools used for stroking paths have their size setting readily available in the Options Bar.
| Tool Used for Stroking | Location of Size Setting | Setting Name |
|---|---|---|
| Brush Tool | Options Bar (Top of window) | Master Diameter |
| Pencil Tool | Options Bar (Top of window) | Master Diameter |
| Eraser Tool | Options Bar (Top of window) | Master Diameter |
| Clone Stamp Tool | Options Bar (Top of window) | Master Diameter |
| Pattern Stamp Tool | Options Bar (Top of window) | Master Diameter |
Remember, the size you set for the tool before stroking dictates the thickness of the line drawn along the path. If you need a different size, adjust the tool's Master Diameter in the Options Bar and stroke the path again (perhaps on a new layer).
