Converting Paths to Selections

You can use vector objects and text to make selections in images. The Path to Selection command makes a selection in an image from the shape of a vector, text, or group object.

With this command, you can outline irregular areas in images with drawing tools to make selections. You can make selections shaped like starbursts and other complex shapes that are easy to create with drawing tools. You can make selections from text characters without first converting the text to paths.

The area selected by a vector or text object depends on whether the object has a visible fill ink and stroke.

• A filled object will select the area covered by the fill. If the object also has a visible stroke, the selection will include the area covered by the stroke.
• An unfilled object will select the area covered by just the stroke of the object.
• An object without a visible fill or stroke will not select anything.

The type of fill ink or pen ink applied to an object is not significant for the selection it will make. However, the shape of the stroke is significant. A visible pen, dash, parallel, or neon stroke will affect the shape of the resulting selection. Also, the end caps, line joins, and arrows applied to a stroke will affect the selection.

To Convert a Path to a Selection:

1. Draw or position a vector or text object on a paint object where you want to make a selection.

If you want to preserve the vector or text object, make a copy of it; the object will be deleted when it is converted to a selection.

2. Select both the vector object and the paint object.
3. Choose Image | Path to Selection.
4. The vector or text object is replaced by a selection. The paint object is in Edit mode and the selection is outlined by a dashed border.

Converting Objects to Paths

Most objects drawn with vector tools are paths that can be used to create selections in images. However, some objects must be converted to paths first.

If an object does not create a selection when you choose Path to Selection, you might need to convert the object to a path by selecting the object and choosing Path | Convert to Paths.