How to Make Paths in Photoshop (Step-by-Step for Beginners & Pros)
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If you're in a similar boat—maybe
you're a dropshipping entrepreneur, a photographer, or running a
print-on-demand store—you’re going to love what I’m about to show you. Let’s
dive into a simple, clear, and conversational guide on how to make paths in Photoshop.
What
Are Paths in Photoshop? (Short Answer for Snippets)
Paths in Photoshop are vector-based
outlines that allow you to select, cut out, or mask parts of an image with
clean precision—especially helpful for removing backgrounds or isolating
objects.
They’re your go-to when the Magic
Wand or Quick Selection tools just don’t give you that crisp edge.
Step-by-Step:
How to Make Paths in Photoshop
Whether you’re clipping sunglasses
for an Amazon listing or isolating a model for a fashion ad, here’s how to do
it right.
✅
Step 1: Open Your Image in Photoshop
Simple, right? Just go to File
> Open, and choose the image you want to edit. If you’re working on a
product photo, make sure the resolution is decent.
✅
Step 2: Select the Pen Tool
Find the Pen Tool (P) in the
toolbar. This is your main tool for creating paths in Photoshop.
Why the Pen Tool?
It gives you full control, unlike auto-selection tools. It’s perfect for hair,
edges, and intricate product outlines.
✅
Step 3: Zoom In & Start Clicking
- Zoom in using Ctrl
+ (or Cmd + on
Mac).
- Start clicking around the edge of your subject. Each
click creates a “node.”
- Curved edges? Click and drag to create smooth curves.
Tip: Keep your nodes minimal. The fewer points you use, the
smoother your path will be.
✅
Step 4: Close the Path
Once you've traced all the way
around, click back on your first node to close the path. You'll see a complete
loop.
✅
Step 5: Save the Path
Go to the Paths panel (Window
> Paths), and double-click on “Work Path.” Rename it and hit OK.
That’s it! You’ve created a path.
✅
Step 6: Turn Path into Selection
Right-click inside the path, then
choose Make Selection. This lets you cut, mask, or refine the subject
however you want.
Snippet Tip: To create a
selection from a path, right-click and choose "Make Selection"—it’s
that easy!
Practical
Tips for Better Handmade Paths (From My Desk to Yours)
After hundreds of projects for
brands on Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy, here’s what’s helped me improve my
handmade paths:
- Use a drawing tablet
if you're doing a lot of path work. The precision is unmatched.
- Zoom in up to 300-400% for intricate details—especially in product edges or
hairlines.
- Create separate paths for different elements. For example, when working on a ghost mannequin effect
for apparel, I make different paths for sleeves, neck, and torso.
- Refine your anchor points. If your curve looks off, click on a node and adjust
the handles.
When
to Use Paths vs. Other Selection Tools
I often get asked, "Why not just use the Quick Selection
or Magic Wand tool?" Great question!
That brings me to this super helpful
video I recommend watching:
🔗 How to Use Pen Tool in Photoshop (YouTube)
In the video, you’ll notice:
- Quick Selection tools are fast but imprecise—best
for messy selections like backgrounds.
- The Pen Tool is slow but extremely accurate—ideal
for e-commerce product clipping, real estate editing, and ghost mannequin
magic.
Quick Tip (Snippet Style):
Use Quick Selection for speed. Use
Paths (Pen Tool) when you need perfect cutouts, especially for professional
editing jobs.
Company Information:
Website: https://www.expertclipping.com/
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Contact : https://www.expertclipping.com/contact/
Resources: https://www.expertclipping.com/blog/
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Quote: https://www.expertclipping.com/free-quote/
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Real-World
Applications: Why Paths Matter for You
If you’re in any of these
industries, Paths in Photoshop are not just a skill—they're your secret
weapon:
- E-commerce Brands:
Clean product cutouts for Shopify, Amazon, or Etsy listings.
- Professional Photographers: Precise background removals for wedding or real
estate shots.
- Fashion Brands & POD Businesses: Essential for ghost mannequin and model edits.
- Digital Marketers:
Polished ad creatives with isolated elements.
- Architects & Interior Designers: Extracting objects or structures for presentations.
At expertclipping.com, our
editors use hand-drawn paths daily to deliver flawless edits for thousands of
clients—from fashion studios to Airbnb hosts. We don’t rely on quick fixes.
That’s how we build trust.
Final
Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Learning how to make paths in
Photoshop may seem tricky at first. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes
second nature. Like riding a bike—or editing 300 product photos overnight (yes,
I’ve been there too 😅).
If you’re serious about delivering
high-quality, handmade edits—whether for your own business or for clients—this
skill will take your workflow to the next level. And hey, if you ever feel
overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like us at expertclipping.com. We’ve been there—and we’re here to help.
TL;DR
(Too Long; Didn’t Read)
- Paths in Photoshop
are clean vector outlines created using the Pen Tool.
- Use them when you need precise selections for cutouts,
masks, or ghost mannequin edits.
- Step-by-step: Open image → Select Pen Tool → Draw path
→ Save → Make Selection.
- Watch this video for a visual guide.
- Perfect for e-commerce, photography, fashion, and
digital marketing industries.
Let me know if you want a printable guide or a cheat sheet
for faster workflows—I’d be happy to help!
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