Creating Paths without the Pen

I want to let you in on a fun way to create paths. Yes, I said fun. You have to assume by fun I mean there is no Pen tool involved in the method.

You can grab any of the shape tools and create a work path. Before you do, however, be sure to click the Paths icon in the Options bar. It’s the icon that looks like a pen cursor with a square path around it. Drag the shape tool of choice on your canvas and presto, an instant path. These shapes can come in handy for creating small spot illustrations, logos, and Web buttons.

Follow these steps:
1. Open an existing image and select a shape tool.
I used the Custom Shape tool.

2. Choose a shape from the shape preset library and open an image.
I chose a fish shape.

3. Using the Shape tool, drag a path in your image window.
You can then use the Paths palette to load the path as a selection.

4. Choose Layer➪New➪Layer via Copy.
You’ve just put the selection on its own layer.

5. If you want, add some type with the Type tool.
If you want to give your type some motion, click the Create Warped Text button in the Options bar. You can also apply drop shadows, bevels, and other effects by choosing Layer➪Layer Style.
I chose the Flag style warp in the Warp Text dialog box. I also applied a Bevel and Emboss and Drop Shadow Layer Style to both the selection and the type.

6. Delete the original image.