What Is a Path?

What Is a Path ?

If you have used any vector illustration software, then the Paths function in Photoshop should be familiar to you. Paths represent vector objects that mathematically define specific areas on an image by virtue of their shape and position. Vector objects are composed of anchor points and line segments, known as Bezier curves, like the ones shown in Figure 9.1 (see Chapter 3, The Nature of the Beast, for more information on these terms).

Figure 9.1: Components of Bezier curves

The Path tools enable you to create straight lines and curves with much greater clarity and precision than the selection tools. If you create an open -ended path, you can then stroke it with a color to form a curved line (using the path as a drawing tool). If its two end points have joined, the path encloses a shape. You can then fill the shape with color, stroke it with an outline, or store it in the Paths palette (or the Shape library) for later use. It can also be converted into a selection, to which you can then apply some other Photoshop operation.