Shape from Select and Text

[vtesh]

Would like instructions on how to use these tools.
I thought they would help to wrap text in a shape,
but perhaps not. Thanks

[recrisp]

Making Shapes, any selection needs to be made into a Vector Path first, and that can be done from a selection...

Make a selection, with the Marquee Tool, or, you can use the Type Tool and the make a selection out of that. With that selection, go to Paths/New Path. (This makes it Vector) You would then go to Edit/Define Custom Shape, it will then be available to use when you have the Shape Tool selected, look for the new Shape at the top, under, "SHAPE".

If you plan on using type, or some Shapes that are well defined, they will sometimes become misshapen due to the tolerance of the Path, so it will either need to be fixed by changing the tolerance, or the Path will need to be fixed using the Pen Tool. Usually, on square selections, and round, the tolerance will be fine, but anything other than that and it will more than likely need fixing.

Importing from Illustrator would probably be best anyway, it makes better shapes from Text, and similar odd shapes.

One thing too, you don't mention at all what program you have, or what version, 'cause not all programs/versions are the same, so that would help.

You mention wrapping text into a shape, maybe (if you have the newer Photoshop) you'd be better off using the Warp Text at the top, when the Text Tool is selected. (It looks like a T with a curve underneath it)

I hope this helps.

Randy

[Richard_Lynch]

vtesh, can you give an example of exactly what you are trying to accomplish? You can do some warping and bending and that is all described in the book with the vector examples.

recrisp, I believe the Elements user you are responding to will likely not have Illustrator.

[recrisp]

Richard,

How do you know what they have? Is there something I am overlooking somewhere in the post?
This isn't meant to sound like I am being rude at all, but since they didn't say what they had, I just put something out there, but you're right, it could've been Elements, or Painter, or...
Maybe it'll help someone down the line, and I knew that Illustrator was a long shot, but I was 'just saying'...
Anyway, please let me know how you know what they have, I am curious to how.

Randy

[vtesh]

Thanks for the replies. I have Elements 4 so I do not have Paths except the add ons of Power Paths from Hidden Power of Elements 4.

Until a couple months ago I had no experience with photoshop programs (late bloomer) and am trying to teach myself, but it has been a little difficult and frustrating. Occasionally a light bulb goes on after seeing a tutorial which pulls things together for me. I have several beginner videos. Concepts in books are hard for me to understand and master since I don't know all the tricks and terminology. I know Elements 4 has great capabilites which I do not know how to use. I volunteer at church and they want me to take an active part in helping them with graphics etc.

Initially, I went to the Shape from Selection and Shape from Text Power Paths in hopes I could use it to distort a line of text into custom shapes. I know about the warp text option, but was hoping to expand to more adventuresome shapes. And you are right, Mr. Lynch, I do not have Illustrator.

Thanks again

[Richard_Lynch]

recrisp, it is in the forum name, and the wording...This forum is for Photoshop Elements, and people that use my book/tools, specifically for Elements. Didn't mean to step on a well-meaning tounge. It is a cool draft here where the Elements people stake their territory!

[Richard_Lynch]

Initially, I went to the Shape from Selection and Shape from Text Power Paths in hopes I could use it to distort a line of text into custom shapes. I know about the warp text option, but was hoping to expand to more adventuresome shapes. And you are right, Mr. Lynch, I do not have Illustrator.

First you want to take advantage of what type tool can offer before switching to vectors. you can bend and warp as suggested in the book before making a conversion. OK?

[recrisp]

Ohhhh, O.K., I kind'a get it now, well, better than before anyway. Thanks for cluing me in on that, I have to admit, although I do like this 'whole' forum, it's set up a LOT different than what I am used to, so I just didn't 'get it' when I should have.
I still don't fully understand about the different places that are for certain applications, but I'll figure it out, and for now, I'll look at the top area.

Thanks for explaining that to me, I appreciate your time.

Sorry Vtesh, I was trying to help, I just didn't realize all of this stuff until now.

Randy