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fetanugs
Known Participant
May 16, 2018
Answered

Cannot Make Selection of my path

  • May 16, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 18743 views

I've opened an image and created a path (path 1) just like I've done hundreds of times.  With the pen tool, right clicked to "make selection" and nothing happens.  I did a tool reset, and did a PS reboot with CTRL/ALT/SHIFT and get a "No Pixles Selected" warning. 

If I create a new path, and trace out a 2nd shape, right click to "Make Selection" it works.  The 2nd path also looks different in the path window.  What did I do to case this issue? 

Any help is appreciated. 

    Correct answer jayb92535444

    Use the direct selection tool to select your path and move one of the points on the patch. What you may see is that you inadvertently duplicated the path and there are now two. Delete one of them and your path preview will show as filled in white... good to go!

    3 replies

    J
    JAYAHARI C
    Participant
    August 28, 2025

    The no of paths you draw in photo shop,  that much of layers will be created. Each path will be shown on selection of that layers. In case, the second path it seems that the path is limited to one anchor point,generated with one click with mouse button. And hence could not show the selection.

    jayb92535444
    jayb92535444Correct answer
    Participant
    August 19, 2021

    Use the direct selection tool to select your path and move one of the points on the patch. What you may see is that you inadvertently duplicated the path and there are now two. Delete one of them and your path preview will show as filled in white... good to go!

      T
      turner111
      Inspiring
      July 21, 2023

      Never had this happen before, but this just solved it for me. Thanks.

      D
      dkurre
      Participant
      May 16, 2018

      Did you try command clicking they shape layer (in the image preview area)? Also it looks like your path is not a closed path so you will likely get a straight line going across the 2 endpoints of your path to create and close the selection

      F
      fetanugsAuthor
      Known Participant
      May 16, 2018

      I don't understand your "command click" instructions.

      As far as I know the path is closed.  When I click the path with the pen tool this is what I get.

      Trevor.Dennis
      Community Expert
      Trevor.DennisCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 16, 2018

      What are you clicking on? 

      The path does not need to be closed

      You need to make the Paths panel visible, and Ctrl (Cmd) click on the path thumbnail in the path panel

      And you'll have a selection.  Notice the straight line between the open points.

      Something I frequently do is fill a new layer with the selection, so I can reload it by Ctrl clicking the layer's thumbnail.  The layer does not need to be turned on.


      I should have added that you can also load the selection by using this icon in the Path panel

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