Task 4 How to Convert a Path to a Selection

One of the primary reasons for creating a path is to convert it to a selection. You can convert a path to a selection as long as the path is available. Because paths take less disk space to save than selections do, you probably shouldn't save a selection when you can save the path.

1. Open the File

Select File, Open to launch the desired file.

2. Create the Path

Use any of the methods described in the preceding tasks to create a path.

3. Select Make Selection

Select Window, Paths to launch the Paths palette. With the path tile selected, choose Make Selection from the palette menu. The Make Selection dialog box opens.

4. Enter the Feather Radius

Enable the Anti-aliased check box and enter a feather amount if you want a selection with soft edges (or if you are making a selection around fine details, such as hair). Click OK to make the selection. Photoshop automatically hides the path so you can see only the selection.

How-To Hints

Combining Selections

You can use paths to create selections that interact with existing selections, as determined by the Operation section of the Make Selection dialog box. If no selection is active in the image area when you choose Make Selection, only the New Selection radio button is available. If another selection is active when you open this dialog box, you can select to add to, subtract from, or intersect the path selection with the current one.

Converting a Selection to a Path

If an area is already selected, you can easily convert the selection line to a path. With a selection active, select Make Work Path from the Paths palette menu, select a tolerance level, and click OK. If the result is a path with too many points, undo the conversion and set a higher tolerance level. The result is a work path you can save and name as you want.