Adobe Photoshop CS4: Advanced
Part 1: Creative Imaging with Vectors
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES
Version 1.0
Winter 2010
Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................2
Downloading the Data Files ..........................................................................................................2
Using Vector Shape Tools .............................................................................................................2
Drawing with Shape Tools ..........................................................................................................2
Creating a Pattern ........................................................................................................................4
Saving a New File Preset ...............................................................................................................6
Using the Pen Tool .........................................................................................................................7
Drawing Vector Shapes with the Pen Tool .................................................................................7
Creating a Brush Preset from a Vector Shape ........................................................................9
Creating Paths Using the Pen Tool .............................................................................................9
Working with Typographic Design ............................................................................................11
Combining Shapes and Text to Create a Design .......................................................................15
For additional handouts, visit http://www.calstatela.edu/handouts.
Introduction
Adobe Photoshop CS4, an industry standard, pushes the boundaries of digital imaging and
editing. While widely used by professional photographers as well as web and graphic designers,
Photoshop can also provide a creative outlet for amateurs, enthusiasts, and artists alike.
Unlike bitmap images (i.e., raster images) with a fixed number of pixels, vector graphics retain
their crisp edges when enlarged because they are made up of lines and curves defined by
mathematical objects called vectors. Vector graphics are great for illustrations, type, logos, and
graphics. They do not deteriorate in quality when resized.
Downloading the Data Files
This handout includes sample data files that can be used for hands-on practice. The data files are
stored in a self-extracting archive. The archive must be downloaded and executed in order to
extract the data files.
 The data files used with this handout are available for download at
http://www.calstatela.edu/its/training/datafiles/photoshopcs4advp1.exe.
 Instructions on how to download and extract the data files are available at
http://www.calstatela.edu/its/docs/download.php.
Using Vector Shape Tools
The following lesson demonstrates the flexibility and versatility of shape layers. In the basic
Adobe Photoshop CS4 Part 3 handout, the Rectangle tool was used to create a clipping mask on
a poster layout. In this handout, the Ellipse tool is used to create a design by drawing simple
shapes. This design is then used to define and create a pattern (see Figure 9).
Table 1 – Vector Graphics
Shape Tools
Rectangle Tool
Rounded Rectangle Tool
Ellipse Tool
Polygon Tool
Line Tool
Description
Shape tools can be used to create precise geometric or
custom shapes that occupy their own layer and reveal a
solid color, gradient, or pattern fill within their contour.
Shape tools can also be used to create geometric or
custom shaped paths. Shapes show up as layers in the
Layers panel while paths show up in the Paths panel.
Custom Shape Tool
Drawing with Shape Tools
Before creating a pattern, users should first become familiar with drawing different objects using
different shape tools (see Table 1).
To practice drawing different vector shapes:
1. Start Adobe Photoshop CS4.
2. Click the File menu and select New to create a new Photoshop document. The New
dialog box opens (see Figure 1).
3. Type 1 in the Width box and 1 in the Height box. Set the units for both to inches.
4. Type 300 in the Resolution box. Set the unit to pixels/inch.
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5. Set the Color Mode to RGB Color at 8 bit.
6. Set the Background Contents to White.
7. Click the OK button.
Figure 1 – New Dialog Box
8. In the Tools panel, select the Shape tool.
9. On the Options bar, select the desired shape tool (see Figure 2).
Figure 2 – Shape Tool Options Bar
10. Click the Color box (see Figure 2). The Color Picker dialog box opens.
11. Select the desired color, and then click the OK button.
12. On the canvas, drag the mouse pointer to draw the first object.
NOTE: To create a perfect circle or square, hold down the Shift key when drawing a shape.
13. Select the Custom Shape tool
(see Figure 3).
14. On the Options bar, click the Shape arrow
and select the desired custom shape.
to open the Custom Shape panel
NOTE: To reveal more options, click the arrow
in the upper right corner of the panel and
select All from the menu, and then click the OK button to add all custom shapes to the panel.
Figure 3 – Custom Shape Panel
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15. On the canvas, drag the mouse pointer to draw the custom shape.
NOTE: To move the shape around on the canvas, use the Move tool from the Tools panel.
16. In the Layers panel, double-click a shape layer thumbnail to open the Color Picker
dialog box and change the color of the vector shape (see Figure 4).
Figure 4 – Vector Shape Layers in the Layers Panel
17. To turn vector shapes into pixelated raster shapes, right-click a shape layer and select
Rasterize Layer from the shortcut menu.
18. To merge all shapes into one layer, select all the shape layers, right-click any of the
selected layers, and select Merge Layers from the shortcut menu.
NOTE: This will automatically rasterize all shape layers. However, to keep them as vectors,
select Convert to Smart Object instead of Merge Layers.
Creating a Pattern
In Photoshop, patterns can be created with shapes, text, pictures, or drawings. Although
Photoshop comes with its own set of patterns, the selection is small. The following steps
demonstrate how to create your own unique pattern. Patterns can be utilized as the background of
an image or design, for special effects, or as a means of visual expression.
To create the original design for the pattern using vector shapes:
1. Click the File menu and select New. The New dialog box opens.
2. Type 1 in the Width box and 1 in the Height box. Set the units for both to inches.
3. Type 300 in the Resolution box. Set the unit to pixels/inch.
4. Set the Color Mode to RGB Color at 8 bit.
5. Set the Background Contents to White.
6. Click the OK button.
7. In the Tools panel, right-click the Shape tool and select the Ellipse tool (see Figure 5).
Figure 5 – Ellipse Tool
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8. On the canvas, drag to draw an elliptical shape in the upper left corner of the canvas.
NOTE: To draw a perfect circle, hold down the Shift key while dragging the mouse pointer.
9. In the Layers panel, double-click the shape layer thumbnail to open the Color Picker
dialog box and change the color of the shape (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 – Shape Layer Thumbnail
10. In the Tools panel, select the Move tool
.
11. Hold down Alt + Shift and drag the elliptical shape to create a copy in the lower right
corner of the canvas (see Figure 7).
Figure 7 – Canvas with Duplicate Shapes
12. Click the Layer menu and select Flatten Image.
To define and create a pattern:
1. Locate and open the define_pattern.psd file.
2. Click the Edit menu and select Define Pattern. The Pattern Name dialog box opens.
3. Type a name for the pattern in the Name box, and then click the OK button.
4. Click the File menu and select New. The New dialog box opens.
5. Type 8 in the Width box and 11 in the Height box. Set the units for both to inches.
6. Type 300 in the Resolution box. Set the unit to pixels/inch.
7. Set the Color Mode to RGB Color at 8 bit.
8. Set the Background Contents to White.
9. Click the OK button.
10. Click the Edit menu and select Fill. The Fill dialog box opens (see Figure 8).
11. Click the Use arrow and select Pattern from the list.
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Figure 8 – Fill Dialog Box
12. Click the Custom Pattern arrow and select the previously defined pattern (see Figure 8).
13. When finished, click the OK button to apply the pattern (see Figure 9).
Figure 9 – Pattern
Figure 10 – Spherize Filter Effect
To add a filter for added visual effect:
1. Locate and open the add_filter.psd file.
2. Click the Filter menu, point to Distort, and select Spherize. The Spherize dialog box
opens.
3. Change the settings as desired, and then click the OK button to apply the effect (see
Figure 10).
Saving a New File Preset
Instead of resetting the properties each time a new document is created, users can save a preset of
commonly used document dimensions for future use.
To save a new file preset:
1. Click the File menu and select New. The New dialog box opens (see Figure 11).
2. Type 5 in the Width box and 5 in the Height box. Set the units for both to inches.
3. Type 300 in the Resolution box. Set the unit to pixels/inch.
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4. Set the Color Mode to RGB Color at 8 bit.
5. Set the Background Contents to White.
6. Click the Save Preset button (see Figure 11). The New Document Preset dialog box
opens.
7. Click the OK button.
8. In the New dialog box, click the OK button.
Figure 11 – Save Preset in the New Dialog Box
Using the Pen Tool
The Pen tool can be used to draw vector shapes, create paths, or a selection (see Table 2). The
following exercises introduce users to the versatility of the Pen tool.
Table 2 – Pen Tools
Pen and Point Tools
Pen Tool
Freeform Pen Tool
Add Anchor Point Tool
Delete Anchor Point Tool
Description
Tools that can be used to create both shapes and paths.
Paths are made up of anchor points connected by
curved or straight line segments that can be reshaped
and filled. Shapes show up as layers in the Layers
panel while paths show up in the Paths panel.
Convert Point Tool
Drawing Vector Shapes with the Pen Tool
When using the Pen tool, users should pay very close attention to what options are selected in the
Pen tool’s Options bar. The Options bar is where users can specify whether they are using the
Pen tool as a shape maker or a path maker.
To draw vector shapes using the Pen tool:
1. Click the File menu and select New. The New dialog box opens.
2. Click the Preset arrow and select 5 in x 5 in from the list (see Figure 12).
3. Click the OK button.
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Figure 12 – Preset List in the New Dialog Box
4. In the Tools panel, select the Pen tool
(see Figure 13).
Figure 13 – Pen Tool
5. On the Options bar, click the Shape Layers icon
(see Figure 14).
Figure 14 – Shape Layers Icon on the Options Bar
6. To draw a triangle, click once on the canvas to create the first anchor point (see Figure
15).
Figure 15 – Creating Shapes with the Pen Tool
7. Click two more times and watch a triangular shape form (see Figure 15).
8. To close the shape, click the first anchor point again.
NOTE: When you hover over the first anchor point, a small circle will appear next to the Pen tool
pointer.
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Creating a Brush Preset from a Vector Shape
Just like patterns can be defined, so can brushes. Brush presets can be created from photographic
images, vector shapes, type, or drawings. The following exercise takes the vector shape created
in the previous exercise and creates a brush preset.
To create a brush preset:
1. Locate and open the define_brush_preset.psd file.
2. In the Layers panel, right-click the Shape 1 layer and select Rasterize Layer.
3. Click the Edit menu and select Define Brush Preset. The Brush Name dialog box opens
(see Figure 16).
4. Type the desired brush name in the Name box (e.g., triangle), and then click the OK
button.
Figure 16 – Brush Name Dialog Box
5. In the Tools panel, select the Brush tool
.
6. The newly created brush is located in the Brush Preset picker (see Figure 17).
Figure 17 – Brush Preset Picker
NOTE: To change the color of the brush, change the Foreground color. To change the size of the
brush, change the brush’s Master Diameter on the Options bar (see Figure 17).
Creating Paths Using the Pen Tool
Paths are unique in that they can be saved in the Paths panel for future use. Furthermore, paths
can be utilized as outlines which guide the direction of type. The following exercise introduces
users to one way that paths can be used.
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To create a path using the Pen tool:
1. Click the File menu and select New. The New dialog box opens.
2. Click the Preset arrow and select 5 in x 5 in from the list (see Figure 12).
3. Click the OK button.
4. With the Pen tool
selected, click the Paths icon
on the Options bar.
5. On the canvas, click once to create the first anchor point, and then click once more to
create the second anchor point. This creates a path between the first and second anchor
points (see Figure 18).
Figure 18 – Creating Paths Using the Pen Tool
6. Add to the path by creating more anchor points for the path to follow (see Figure 18).
7. To create a curvy pathway, in the Tools panel, right-click the Pen tool
and select the
Convert Point tool
(see Figure 13).
8. Drag any anchor point to create a curvilinear path (see Figure 19).
NOTE: You can also drag the ends of the direction lines or click directly on the line connecting
two anchor points to have more control in editing the path.
NOTE: You can use the Add Anchor Point tool
Point tool
to add more anchors or the Delete Anchor
to delete anchors. Both of these tools are hidden under the Pen tool
.
Figure 19 – Creating Curvilinear Lines Using the Convert Point Tool
To type along the path:
1. In the Tools panel, select the Type tool
.
2. Point to any part of the path until a squiggly line appears through the Type tool pointer
.
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3. Click once, and then type the desired text (see Figure 20).
Figure 20 – Typing Along a Path
4. After getting the stop point, hold down the Ctrl key and hover over the stop point until a
black arrow appears next to the mouse pointer (see Figure 20).
5. Drag to relocate the stop point of the text along the path.
NOTE: The text can be moved laterally or from one side of the path to another.
6. To see how the text will look without the path outline, click the Background layer in the
Layers panel (see Figure 21).
Figure 21 – Text on a Path
Working with Typographic Design
Typography is the art and technique of arranging and designing type. Combining type and
imagery can be used to create a sentimental wedding invitation or a powerful political poster. In
the following exercise, the Type tool, blending options, and layer masks are used to create a
monogram with winding characters (see Table 3 and Figure 34).
Table 3 – Type Tools
Type Tools
Horizontal Type Tool
Vertical Type Tool
Horizontal Type Mask Tool
Description
Tools that can be used to create editable type with
changeable font, style, point size, color, kerning,
tracking, leading, alignment, and baseline shift. Type
shows up in its own layer.
Vertical Type Mask Tool
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To create a monogram:
1. Click the File menu and select New. The New dialog box opens.
2. Click the Preset arrow and select 5 in x 5 in from the list (see Figure 12).
3. Click the OK button.
4. In the Tools panel, select the Type tool
.
5. On the Options bar, click the Font Family arrow and select Vivaldi from the list (see
Figure 22).
Figure 22 – Font Type, Size, and Color
6. Type 200 pt in the Font Size box (see Figure 22).
7. To set the color of the text, click the Text Color box, select the desired color in the
Select Text Color dialog box, and then click the OK button (see Figure 23).
Figure 23 – Select Text Color Dialog Box
8. Click anywhere on the canvas and type the letter J.
9. In the Tools panel, select the Move tool
and drag the J to the desired location on the
canvas.
10. Select the Type tool, then click anywhere on the canvas and type the letter T.
11. Change the color of the T by first highlighting it, and then clicking the Text Color box
on the Options bar.
12. Select the Move tool and drag the T to partially overlap the J (see Figure 24).
NOTE: To center both letters at the same time, hold down the Ctrl key and click to select both
text layers in to the Layers panel, and then use the Move tool to move them to the center of the
canvas.
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Figure 24 – Monogram
To wind characters together:
1. Locate and open the winding_characters.psd file.
2. With the T layer selected, click the Add a Layer Style icon
located at the bottom of
the Layers panel and select Stroke from the menu (see Figure 25). Or, right-click the T
layer, select Blending Options (see Figure 26), and then select Stroke in the Layer Style
dialog box (see Figure 27).
Figure 26 – Blending Options
Figure 25 – Add a Layer Style Menu
3. In the Layer Style dialog box, under the Stroke settings, drag the Size slider to the right
to 5 pixels, and then click the OK button (see Figure 27).
Figure 27 – Layer Style Dialog Box
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4. Right-click the T layer and select Copy Layer Style, and then right-click the J layer and
select Paste Layer Style.
5. Hold down the Ctrl key and click the J layer thumbnail to select the letter (see Figure
28).
Figure 28 – Text Layer Thumbnail
6. Click the Select menu, point to Modify, and select Expand (see Figure 29). The Expand
Selection dialog box opens (see Figure 30).
7. Type 5 in the Expand By box, and then click the OK button (see Figure 30).
Figure 30 – Expand Selection Dialog Box
Figure 29 – Expand Command on the Select Menu
8. With the T layer selected, click the Add Layer Mask icon
Layers panel (see Figure 31).
at the bottom of the
Figure 31 – Layers Panel
9. In the Tools panel, select the Brush tool
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and set the Foreground color to Black.
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10. Use a hard-edged brush to paint over the areas where the T will appear in front (see
Figure 32).
NOTE: To resize the brush, click the Brush arrow on the Options bar to open the Brush Preset
picker and adjust the Master Diameter.
Figure 32 – Painting Over Areas Where T Will Appear in Front
11. With the T layer’s layer mask selected (see Figure 31), click the Image menu, point to
Adjustments, and select Invert (see Figure 33).
Figure 33 – Invert Command on the Image Menu
12. Select both T and J layers, right-click either layer, and select Clear Layer Style to finish
(see Figure 34).
Figure 34 – Winding Characters Monogram
Combining Shapes and Text to Create a Design
Learning to combine text and shapes in creative imaging can help users communicate their
designs more effectively.
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To create a raster shape:
1. Click the File menu and select New. The New dialog box opens.
2. Click the Preset arrow and select 5 in x 5 in from the list (see Figure 12).
3. Click the OK button.
4. In the Layers panel, create a new layer and name it Badge.
5. In the Tools panel, select the Elliptical Marquee tool
(see Figure 35).
Figure 35 – Elliptical Marquee Tool
6. On the Badge layer, drag the mouse pointer to draw a circular selection (see Figure 36).
7. Drag the elliptical marquee to the center of the canvas.
Figure 36 – Elliptical Marquee
8. Click the Edit menu and select Fill. The Fill dialog box opens (see Figure 37).
Figure 37 – Fill Dialog Box
9. Under Contents, click the Use arrow and select Color from the list (see Figure 37).
10. In the Choose a color dialog box, select the desired color for the design, and then click
the OK button.
11. In the Fill dialog box, click the OK button to return to the canvas.
12. Click the Select menu and select Deselect.
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To create a path using the Shape tool:
1. In the Tools panel, select the Ellipse tool
(see Figure 38),
Figure 38 – Ellipse Tool
2. On the Options bar, click the Paths icon
(see Figure 39).
Figure 39 – Paths Icon on the Options Bar
3. Draw a circular path inside the colored circle leaving enough room for the desired type to
appear along the outside of the path (see Figure 40). Before releasing the mouse button,
hold down the Spacebar and drag to reposition the circular path, and then resize the path
if necessary.
Figure 40 – Elliptical Path
To type along a path:
1. In the Tools panel, select the Type tool
.
2. On the Options bar, select the desired font (e.g., Ravie) (see Figure 41).
Figure 41 – Type Tool Options Bar
3. Hover the mouse pointer along the circular path until a squiggly line appears through the
Type tool pointer , click once, and then type the desired text (e.g., Choose) (see Figure
42).
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Figure 42 – Typing Along the Path
4. To rotate the text, hold down the Ctrl key to activate the I-beam, hover the mouse
pointer right outside any corner until a curved, two-sided arrow appears, and then drag to
rotate the text to the desired position (see Figure 43).
NOTE: The I-beam will not appear unless the Type tool pointer is active.
Figure 43 – Rotate, Resize, and Reposition Text
5. To resize the text, hold down the Ctrl key, hover the mouse pointer directly over any
corner until a two-sided arrow appears, and then drag to resize the text (see Figure 43).
NOTE: While resizing, hold down the Shift key to keep the same proportion.
6. To reposition the text, hold down the Ctrl key and drag the entire I-beam to the desired
position (see Figure 43).
7. In the Layers panel, duplicate the Choose type layer.
8. With the Choose copy layer selected, select the Type tool, and then click the text on the
canvas.
9. Click the Select menu and select All.
10. Retype new text (e.g., Love Not War) (see Figure 44).
NOTE: After retyping the new text, select the Choose Copy layer in the Layers panel and it will
automatically rename itself to the Love Not War layer.
Figure 44 – Select All, New Text, and Transform
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11. To make the new text right side up, hold down the Ctrl key to activate the I-beam, hover
the mouse pointer over the text until an arrow (or two arrows) appears next to the pointer,
and then click once on the text to flip it to the other side of the path (see Figure 45).
12. Rotate, resize, and reposition accordingly using the I-beam (see Figure 45).
NOTE: If necessary, change the font size on the Option bar.
Figure 45 – Flip Text to the Other Side of the Path and Transform
To add a vector shape:
1. In the Tools panel, select the Custom Shape tool
(see Figure 46).
Figure 46 – Custom Shape Tool
2. On the Options bar, click the Shape Layers icon
(see Figure 47).
Figure 47 – Shape Layers Icon and Custom Shape Options on the Options Bar
3. Click the Shape arrow to open the Custom Shape panel and select the desired shape
(e.g.,
) (see Figure 48).
NOTE: To reveal more options, click the arrow
select All from the menu (see Figure 48).
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in the upper right corner of the panel and
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Figure 48 – Custom Shape Panel
4. Drag the mouse pointer to draw the custom shape on the badge (see Figure 49).
5. Recolor the shape and text as desired (see Figure 49).
Figure 49 – Custom Shape
To add a layer style:
1. Locate and open the add_layer_style.psd file.
2. In the Layers panel, select the Badge layer.
3. Click the Layer menu, point to Layer Style, and select Bevel and Emboss (see Figure
50). The Layer Style dialog box opens (see Figure 51).
Figure 50 – Bevel and Emboss Command on the Layer Menu
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4. Under the Bevel and Emboss settings, drag the Soften slider all the way to the right and the
Size slider to about 76px (see Figure 51).
Figure 51 – Bevel and Emboss Layer Style
5. Click the Drop Shadow layer style on the left column (see Figure 52).
6. Under the Drop Shadow settings, drag the Distance slider to 15px, the Spread slider to
12%, and the Size slider to 13px (see Figure 52).
Figure 52 – Drop Shadow Layer Style
7. Click the OK button to finish (see Figure 53).
Figure 53 – Finished Badge
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