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Lesson 10:   10-A   10-B   10-C   10-D

​​​​Lesson 10 - Objectives 5-6 (Wednesday)   

Images can be created basically one of two ways:  Bitmap images (also called Raster images) are pixel based images - images made up of dots or squares on a screen.  You create or manipulate these kinds of images by working with these pixels.  They work best in the size and orientation they were created.  If you enlarge them too much, they become "pixelated" - in other words, you can easily see all the dots that make up the image.  Images saved in GIF, JPG, BMP, TIF, and PNG formats are pixel-based images.  Vector images are resolution-independent.  Because vectors are mathematically defined they do not pixelate when enlarged.  They are commonly saved as EPS, SVG, WMF, SWF, or PDF files. Because they are easily moved, aligned, resized, and distributed, shape layers are best for making graphics to be used in websites, clip art, signs, etc.

Photoshop has evolved over time from being strictly a pixel-based image editor to including vector tools as well.  For example, when you use the text tool, the text is vector, and will print perfectly no matter what size you choose to print it.  But you can RASTERIZE a text or vector layer, and then it becomes pixel-based, and loses the advantage of being resolution-independent.  However, it gains the advantage of being able to manipulate the pixels in ways you couldn't do with vector text.

Please take a few minutes and read this page - Photoshop Help | About Drawing  It will discuss three drawing modes that Photoshop gives you when working with vector tools:  Shape layers, Paths, and Pixels.  It's important that you understand these three modes.  Then watch the video, "Raster vs. Vector - What does it all mean?"

Video: Raster vs. Vector What Does It All Mean? (2:32)

The shape tools are the Rectangle Tool, Rounded Rectangle Tool, Ellipse Tool, Polygon Tool, Line Tool, and Custom Shape Tool.  The shortcut key is "U."  Holding shift while repeatedly pressing U will allow you to cycle through all of them.

All the shape tools are vector tools, meaning they create mathematically defined points and paths, and are resolution independent.

Let's learn how to use each of these tools...

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Exercise 6 (Estimated time to complete - 40 minutes): Watch the videos, "Live Shapes in Photoshop CC," "Introduction to the Shape Tools 1," and "Introduction to the Shape Tools 2."  Then design your own layout using the shape tools, and creating something along the line of what I've created at right.  Save this exercise as B10-06_Your_Name.PSD.

Video: Live Shapes in Photoshop CC (7:28)

Video: Photoshop: Introduction to the Shape Tools 01 (5:00)

Video: Photoshop: Introduction to the Shape Tools 02 (4:00)