Photoshop Question for the photoshop impaired.?

Question

What does create a path mean? ...also a layer mask?

Answer 1

Paths and layer masks are neat, here's a quick burst of info to get you moving in the right direction.

Paths are greated in photoshop using the pen tool in the tools palette. You create points and photoshop does an automatic conect the dots for you. You can tell the points to go straight to one another or you can tell them to round off with handle to control the rounding, this is a beizer curve. The final path does nothing on its own really, but you can turn the path into a marque selection or make you brushes auto stroke to it. remeber to delete the path when you are done with it. They are usefull for detailed masking and deletion.

Layer masks are non-destructive ways of croping images. Instead of actually deleting everything around selection, like croping, it hides it. youll need to read more into how to make them in photoshop documentaion for all of the ways to make the mask. basiclly it's a marque selection or a path that tells it where to crop.

All photoshop tools are useful. They wouldnt be in the program if they weren't.

Answer 2

If you don't know what it is you probably don't need it. I have been using Photoshop since version 1.5 and I still have never used paths or a layer mask. A layer mask is just that it masks off a part of a layer. The tutorial should help a lot but I really suggest taking a photo shop course. They are all over the country and run around a $100 for a full day of stuff. Depending on what you're using PS for, you may not need it.

Answer 3

Creating a path is like drawing a line but more accurate. I usually use them for selections, they can take a bit of time but are definitely work the effort once you are done, especially if the outline is very complicated or the image is too close in color to the background. After drawing a closed path right click and choose make selection. I also use paths to ink artwork you do the same thing but right click and choose stroke path and then you have to pick a tool to do it with. You use the pen tool to make paths.
A layer mask basically erases part of an image without actually erasing it. This is usually recommended in case you want to change something later. You can paint a layer mask on the top layer to reveal the layer below.

Answer 4

have you gone through the tutoral that comes with it?

My computer C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop\Help
In the help file you'll find some quick little tutorals files
At a Glance, Tips and Tricks, and New Featchers Highlights

Thes are real good starters for ya and cover masking and setting up paths

Just rember its a BIG program and I don't think anybody knows the whole thing.Keep playing with it you'll have yeare of saying I didn't know it could do that!

Good luck

Answer 5

you will get photoshop by way of specific "downloading" its classed as unlawful.. yet loads of individuals do it presently as for the drawing pill, youd ought to purchase that from a keep