02-15-2022, 10:06 AM
creating a path which is actually following a long convoluted trail through an image of a large stretch of bushland.
Instructions don't mention how to stop doing it. Just pick another tool?
Yes
They don't mention how to keep it - just happens automatically when I save the image?
Yes, check the Paths list (tab next to Layers/Channels)
Doesn't make clear to me if I must convert to a selection. ?
No. Especially if the path is open (ie, has two distinguishable ends)
Not sure if I have to 'stroke' it ?
Yes, if you want to see it in an image you export or print. The "Path" is just a "location", a bit like a guide or a selection, it doesn't change pixels in the image
Can I come back to it and edit it next time - continue it as one path or does it get 'frozen' once 'stroked' etc ?
You can edit the path later. Make it visible, start the Path tool, and click on the path in the canvas, this will make it editable again.
p.s.
And if I can step back to a most primitive basic question:
I always immediately make a copy layer in the belief that this way I'm ensuring I'll no way damage my original image.
Is this a bit daft? Would I get just as much protection if I immediately simply save the image with a new name?
The two techniques have their uses. If you just modify a layer, copying the layer in the image is a good way to protect you.
But anyway, having done it, created a copy layer to work on I'm always thinking I should then delete that original layer and then I'm safe, all connection with my original now broken. Is that equally daft?
Depends on what that layer is... If it"s a tetx layer, it's useful to keep it (has info like font etc... that could have been lost in the edited copy).
p.p.s. I suppose there's no way to get back a path that disappeared?
I couldn't find how to end the making of a path no matter where I looked. In the finish I read something that suggested double clicking on the last node would do it. So I did that. All seemed peaceful. So then I selected the move tool.
The path immediately disappeared and wouldn't come back.
It's is likely still there. By default paths are created "not visible". Go to the pah list and click the eye icon (same place as for layers)
That was a good half hour's work. How to use the path tool? Including 'stop using' the path tool?
You just move to another tool. Path is still there, see above.
Instructions don't mention how to stop doing it. Just pick another tool?
Yes
They don't mention how to keep it - just happens automatically when I save the image?
Yes, check the Paths list (tab next to Layers/Channels)
Doesn't make clear to me if I must convert to a selection. ?
No. Especially if the path is open (ie, has two distinguishable ends)
Not sure if I have to 'stroke' it ?
Yes, if you want to see it in an image you export or print. The "Path" is just a "location", a bit like a guide or a selection, it doesn't change pixels in the image
Can I come back to it and edit it next time - continue it as one path or does it get 'frozen' once 'stroked' etc ?
You can edit the path later. Make it visible, start the Path tool, and click on the path in the canvas, this will make it editable again.
p.s.
And if I can step back to a most primitive basic question:
I always immediately make a copy layer in the belief that this way I'm ensuring I'll no way damage my original image.
Is this a bit daft? Would I get just as much protection if I immediately simply save the image with a new name?
The two techniques have their uses. If you just modify a layer, copying the layer in the image is a good way to protect you.
But anyway, having done it, created a copy layer to work on I'm always thinking I should then delete that original layer and then I'm safe, all connection with my original now broken. Is that equally daft?
Depends on what that layer is... If it"s a tetx layer, it's useful to keep it (has info like font etc... that could have been lost in the edited copy).
p.p.s. I suppose there's no way to get back a path that disappeared?
I couldn't find how to end the making of a path no matter where I looked. In the finish I read something that suggested double clicking on the last node would do it. So I did that. All seemed peaceful. So then I selected the move tool.
The path immediately disappeared and wouldn't come back.
It's is likely still there. By default paths are created "not visible". Go to the pah list and click the eye icon (same place as for layers)
That was a good half hour's work. How to use the path tool? Including 'stop using' the path tool?
You just move to another tool. Path is still there, see above.