How to Use the Pen Tool in Photoshop: Real Estate Photo Editing 2022
Adobe Photoshop is by far one of the most favored editing programs by professional real estate photographers. It is considered to be a classic and one of the most useful tools since it has been around for so long. Moreover, the team behind Adobe Photoshop consistently works to improve the software and update all areas that can be further enhanced.
While it may not be the go-to software for video editing, it definitely covers a lot of bases for photo enhancement and manipulation. It achieves this by offering a wide array of tools and filters that you can apply on your layers and produce impeccable images each time.
One highly important tool when it comes to editing quality photos is Photoshop’s Pen Tool. The pen tool can be used to achieve a lot of techniques, which we will discuss further in the guideline below.
How Does A Pen Tool Work in Photoshop?
There are different kinds of pen tools in Adobe Photoshop, all of which cater to a specific editing style and assist in drawing both simple and complex shapes. Sometimes it can also take the place of the lasso tool.
The Standard Pen Tool
The first choice that you can find under the pen tool drop down menu is the standard pen tool. This allows you to draw straight lines and also create curves between two points.
The Freeform Pen Tool
The second choice is the freeform pen, which allows you to draw a work path as if you were utilizing a pencil on a piece of paper. Many artists who use Adobe Photoshop to create digital artwork incorporate this into their creative process.
The Curvature Pen Tool
Next is the curvature pen tool, which is highly similar to the standard pen tool in the sense that you can draw both straight segments and curves. The main difference between the two is that you do not follow the click and drag process when making curves.
Instead, you simply select points within your layer that follow the shape you want to create, and it automatically processes these to flow seamlessly. Moreover, adjusting the curve or the points within your path is as simple as dragging it around.
The Magnetic Pen Tool
The magnetic pen tool allows you to draw a path like you usually would. However, it automatically snaps to the edges of all the defined areas as if these had a magnetic pull to them.
The Content Aware Tracing Tool
This tool allows you to automate the whole process when tracing elements.
If you have yet to try out using the pen tool while enhancing your real estate images, here are two tips to get your started:
Cutting Out An Image With The Pen Tool
No matter which kind of pen tool you want to work with, one of the main uses for it is cutting elements out of a photograph. It is considered one of the most versatile instruments in Adobe Photoshop that delivers precise work each time – at least for as long as the designer is also well experienced in using it.
If you have yet to try out using the pen tool while enhancing your real estate images, here are two tips to get your started:
How To Access The Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop
You can easily find it on your tool bar, which is by default located on your left hand side. The icon used to represent the pent tool is an old fashioned ink pen icon.
You may also access it through holding down the shortcut key “P”.
When To Use The Pen Tool in Adobe Photoshop
We highly recommend utilizing the pen tool when your chosen object selection tool does not make the cut (no pun intended). Pen tools also offer much more precision than AI assisted selection tools. If your work requires precision down to the last pixel, then the pen tool is your best bet.
The main role of the pen tool is to cut our elements or images manually. You manually draw around the subject, creating a pen path, and taking full charge over how you want the final image to look.
The most common elements that can be cut out in real estate photography are people, curved edges, defined edges, objects propped up against patterned or unworkable backgrounds.
How Do You Use A Standard Pen Tool Step By Step?
There are 5 types of actions you can take with the standard pen tool. We discuss the step by step guide for each of them below:
Action #1: Drawing straight line segments
The most basic path that you can create using a standard pen tool is a simple straight line segment. This is achieved by selecting two anchor points, which will automatically create a straight line between point A and point B.
Should you continue to click on points C, D, E, and so on, this is considered creating a path made of straight line segments that are connected by corner points.
Step 1: Select the Standard Pen Tool
Step 2: Click on the point of which you want the straight line segment to begin.
Step 3: Click on the point where you want the straight line segment to end. This is also when the line becomes visible.
Action #2: Drawing curves
You can create a curve using the standard pen tool by adding an anchor point where you want the curve to change direction, and then dragging it to shape the line. The length and level of slope varies on how far you drag the point, and it ultimately defines the shape of the curve.
Step 1: Select the Pen tool.
Step 2: Position the Pen tool where you want the curve to begin, and hold down the mouse button. This allows the first anchor point to appear.
Step 3: You can then start dragging to set the slope of the curve you want to create. At this point, the pen tool pointer changes into an arrowhead. Once you are happy with the slope, release the button.
You may hold down the Shift key in order to constrain the pen tool to multiple of 45°.
Step 4: Next, position the pen tool where you want the curve to end. Once you have determined the point, you can do either one of the following:
Create a C shape curve. You can do this by dragging in a direction opposite to the first direction line. Once happy with it, simply release the button.
Create an S shape curve. You can do this by dragging in the same direction as the first direction line. Once happy with it, simply release the button.
Step 5: you can continue to create a series of curves with the above steps.
Step 6: Next, you may complete the path by doing either:
Close the path. By selecting the first anchor point you created, you are essentially closing or completing the path.
Leave the path open. You can also opt to just leave the path open using CTRL+Click (Windows) or Command+Click (MAC) at any are away from all elements. Or you may also simply select a different tool.
Note:
It is best to use as few anchor points as possible since this helps in preventing unwanted bumps along your curve. Draw widely spaced anchor points instead.
Action #3: Drawing straight line segments followed by curves
Next up, you can combine the two actions above in order to form more precise paths.
Step 1: Select the Standard Pen Tool
Step 2: Click on the point of which you want the straight line segment to begin.
Step 3: Click on the point where you want the straight line segment to end.
Step 4: Hover your pen tool over the endpoint. This allows a small diagonal line to appear next to the pent tool. In order to set the slope of the curved line, click the anchor point and then drag the direction line.
Step 5: Position your pen tool on where you want the next anchor point. Once you have the area located, click on it. You may even drag if you wish to do so.
Action #4: Drawing curves followed by straight line segments
The next action to learn is still combining the first two actions but in opposite order.
Step 1: Select the Pen tool.
Step 2: Position the Pen tool where you want the curve to begin, and hold down the mouse button.
Step 3: Start dragging to set the slope of the curve you want to create and then release the button once you are happy with it.
Step 4: Next, position the pen tool where you want the curve to end. Drag to complete the curve and then release the button.
Step 5: Select the Convert Point tool under your toolbox, and then click the selected end point. This essentially converts it from a smooth point to a corner point.
Step 6: Select the Pen tool again, and then position it where you want the straight segment to end
Action #5: Drawing two curved segments connected by a corner
This is the fifth action that you can utilize in combination with the others to form a path.
Step 1: Select the pen tool and then drag to create the first smooth point of a curve.
Step 2: Reposition your pen tool and drag it again to create a curve with a second smooth point. Once selected, press and hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and then drag the direction line towards the opposite end. This sets the slope for the next curve. If you are finished, release the key and the mouse button.
By doing this, you effectively convert the smooth point into a corner point by splitting up the direction lines.
Step 3: Lastly, reposition your pen tool to where you want the second curve to end. Once you have located it, drag a new smooth point to complete the second curve.
More Settings in the Options Bar
There are two other options when utilizing the standard pen tool, namely:
Auto Add / Auto Delete. This option lets you add or delete an anchor point when you click on a line segment.
Rubber Band. This option lets you preview path segments as you move the pointer. You may find this on the pop-menu to the right of the Custom Shape icon.
How Do You Use A Freeform Pen Tool Step By Step?
With a freeform pen tool, anchor points are automatically added as you draw. You do not determine where the points are positioned exactly, but you can still adjust them once the path has been completed.
Step 1: Select the freeform pen tool.
Step 2: Adjust its sensitivity levels to your mouse or stylus movements. Click the inverted arrow next to the shape buttons found in the options bar. Enter a value between 0.5 and 10.0 pixels for Curve Fit – the higher the value, the simpler the path with fewer anchor points in between.
Step 3: Drag the pointer and release the mouse once you are happy with the trail it creates.
Step 4: To continue the existing path, hover your pointer over the end point, click, and then drag.
Step 5: To complete the path, simply release or drag the line to the initial point.
How Do You Use A Magnetic Pen Tool Step By Step?
The magnetic pen tool is a type of freeform pen tool option that allows you to draw a path, and have the edges automatically snap in the defined areas.
Step 1: Select the freeform pen tool and then check Magnetic in options bar or click the inverted arrow next to the shape buttons.
Step 2: Adjust the settings as follows:
For Width
Enter a pixel value between 1 and 256. The tool will detect edges within the specified distance from the pointer.
For Contrast
Enter a percentage value between 1 and 100. This specifies the contrast between pixels for that area to be considered an edge. Utilize higher values for low-contrast photographs
For Frequency
Enter a value between 0 and 100 to specify the rate at which the Pen sets anchor points. Higher values anchor the path quicker.
- You can opt to select or deselect Pen Pressure. When selected, an increase in pen pressure causes the width to decrease.
Step 3: Click the images to set the first fastening point.
Step 4: Draw a freehand segment, and then move the pointer to or drag it along towards the edge you want to trace. Your segment will snap to the strongest edge within your image and connect every new pointer to the last fastening point.
Step 5: Add fastening points to keep the border from mobbing out of place.
Step 6: Press Enter or Return to end an open path, or double click to close the path.
That’s all there is to it! Get started on editing images with the Pen Tool or outsource professionals to do it for you!
