Multimedia Applications

1
Multimedia Applications

• Vector Masks, Paths and Shapes

2
Shapes, Vectors and Paths

• Shape tool can create vector shapes/masks
• 3 options
• Shape Layers
• Shape (layer mask) fill colour
• Creates a new layer
• Paths
• Creates a work path only
• No new layer
• Fill Pixels
• Rasterized (bitmap)
• No new layer

3
Shape layers

• Shape layers show two thumbnails
• Layer colour
• Layer mask shape
• Different to drawing a marquee and filling it
  using the Paint Bucket

4
Paths

• Draws a work path on the selected layer
• Use the work path to
• Create a selection
• Create a clipping mask
• Fill/stroke with colour
• Appear in the paths palette but not the layers
  palette
• Can be saved and used again in the same or other
  images

5
Paths

• Paths shape can be transformed by editing the
  anchor points
• Use Direct Selection tool
• Paths can be moved
• Use Path Selection tool

6
Selecting a path with the Direct Select tool
shows anchor points, which can be dragged
7
Rasterizing

• Turns a vector shape into a pixel-based shape
• Painting tools do not work with vectors and work
  paths
• To paint in a vector or work path you need to
  rasterize the object

8
Path alone does not add a layer
Shape Layer
Path
9
Path stroke/fill

• Stroking a path paints along the line
• Set the stroke tool (e.g. brush) settings first
• Fill paints inside the path

10
Paths and text

• Text can follow a path
• Changes to the path will be reflected in the text

11
Shapes, Paths, Layers
12
Text and Paths

• Text can be turned into a work path
• You can then remove or keep the text layer
• Work path allows you to distort the text
• Text layer still editable as text as the work
  path is saved separately

13
Text and Paths
Text layer removed
Using Direct Select tool to edit work path
Text saved as Work Path
14
Path advantages

• Versatile
• Maintain sharp edges
• Can be saved and re-used
• Turning text into a Path can save you having to
  save/send fonts