Paint Shop Pro's Pen Tool

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In this tutorial, I will teach you everything you need to know about the pen tool. The pen tool is found on many programs, from Photoshop to Paint Shop Pro; it's the one tool that can gives you the power to construct individual, sleek shapes - and makes it's so easy to do so. The tutorial was made using Paint Shop Pro - but it can be edited to fit any other program.
Let's explore. Select the Pen Tool (V) which can be found under the Preset Shape Tool (P) at the bottom of the toolbar and open up a new blank image.

When it comes to the colours, it's very simple: you are given two pallets. The top pallet determines the line colour, whilst the second pallet determines the fill of the shape. You can choose to use both at the same time, or one at a time (see image on right).

MORE ABOUT THE PALLETS
If you wish to, you can incorperate patterns and designs from other places in Paint Shop Pro into your image. You can do this firstly by clicking on either of the pallets and then browsing through list of options.

There are tons of settings to explore. Along the top row, there are many things that I do not play with. What's listed under 'Presets', what's listed under 'Mode' (Drawing Mode) and what's listed under 'New' (New Shape and Create as Vector), I have not played with since I got the program.

Under segment type, you have three different options which change depending on what kind of line you want:

• Line Segment - Is ideal for drawing straight lines. All you have to do is click in on place and drag the handle.
• Point to Point - Does what it says. Continue to click on different points in order to come up with interesting shapes.
• Freehand - A bit like the pencil tool. You have the freedom to draw whatever you want, just by moving your mouse around. However, unlike the pencil tool, the lines are of a better quality.

MORE ABOUT THE POINT TO POINT TOOL
This is the setting I am almost always on. When draw shapes with straght line, you simple click in different spots; you then have the freedom to move around any of the points (see image on right). You can also draw curved lines. In order to draw a curve, click on the spot where you want your curve to begin, then click on another point, and without letting go of your mouse, drag it until you come up with a shape you are happy with.

SHAPES
Once you start your line, you will find that any other points made will join onto that line. If you wish to create a whole new shape, you must right click and select New Drawing Object. This option is very useful when illustrating, for example when drawing hair strands - you do not want them all to connect. The shapes can be edited and altered by selecting the [+] next to the vector layer (see image on left). To make it easier to move my shape and apply other features, such as a drop shadow; once I am please with the vector, I right click the layer and convert it into a raster layer.

And that right there is your introduction to the pen tool. You will find that there are other, more simpler settings, such as the 'Line style' setting and the width of the line. You can also right click your vector layer to exlore more settings, many of these settings I don't usually use.

Now that you know more about the pen tool, you must be excited to actually create something! Please check out my other tutorials.