Converting A Selection Into A Path

Paths and selections both define the edges of an area, it's only natural that you would want to convert a selection to a path to enable full control of its quality and Size. In this tutorial I'll be walking you through the whole converting process.

Converting A Selection Into A Path

Selections are created in raster format, the quality of the selection is based on the quality and size of an image. This can be a big problem when you’re working with small images with a low resolution such as, Web graphics etc… When you convert a selection into a path, you can precisely reshape it, and this gives you more control over the final results.

Open up an image in photoshop then using the “Polygonal Marquee Tool” (L).

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

Make a selection around your desired element.

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

Open The Paths Window

Once the selection has been made, open the “Paths Window”.

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

Making The Work Path

Inside the paths window either click the the top right icon in the corner to extend the menu, inside the menu click “Make Work Path” OR, Click the little icon at the bottom shown in the image below.

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

Once the option has been selected you will get a “Tolerance” window. Low tolerance values create a path with many anchor points, and the path conforms precisely to the selection marquee, but low tolerances can cause printing errors (too much information). Higher tolerance values create a path with fewer anchor points, and the path will be smoother.

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

Because my image has a lot of nice straight edges, I’m going to enter 0.5. You may need to experiment a bit to get the right result for you.

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

Defining Your Shape

Close the paths window then select the “Pen Tool” (P), with the “Pen Tool” (P) selected right click and select “Define Custom Shape”.

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

Defining your path as a custom shape will enable you to use it later and when ever you need it. The custom defined shape now is also a vector object so when re-using you will be able to resize the path as big as you want with lose of quality.

Other options you can use are the “Create Vector Mask”. The vector mask allows easy manipulation or can be used when moving the vector over to illustrator.

Converting Photoshop Text To Vector

The same principles can be applied to photoshop text. Lets give it a try. Create a new (Ctrl + N) document and simply add some text to the canvas.

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

Once the text has been added go to “Layer > Type > Create Work Path”.

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

As before select the pen tool, right click and use the options available. Or you can export it straight into illustrator. Simply go to “File > Export > Paths To Illustrator”.

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

How To Convert Selections Into Paths

Conclusion

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About Author

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.