Create a path from selection on a new layer

[Faby5FAE]

Hi everyone. I was wondering how to create a path from selection on a new "layer". I mean, I had this path I created before, then I made a selection and I wanted to create a path from this selection and so far so good. Problem is Photoshop keeps putting the path with the path I created before instead of generating a new layer. Maybe I'm wrong naming layers when talking about paths, but I just want a separate layer, like when we click on the appropriate icon in the palette to create a new path. Can anyone help me? Thanks.

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

Maybe I'm wrong naming layers when talking about paths, but I just want a separate layer,

By @Faby5FAE

Let's make sure we are talking the same language 😊

• Saved Selections are stored in the Channels panel as Alpha Channels. You can save and re-load them from the Selection menu
• Layers are for pixel, text, Smart Object, Adjustment layers, etc.
• Paths are stored in the Paths panel

Here is one way to interpret what you said:

You can convert a path to a selection or a selection to a path in the Paths panel using the panel menu or the buttons on the bottom. I think you made a path, converted it to a selection, then successfully converted it to a path again. However, this path is on the same path as another and you want them to be on separate paths. Is that correct?

You can only have one Work Path. If it gets deselected, the contents will disappear and a new work path will be created. So name your paths by double-clicking the name and typing a new one. 

"Photoshop keeps putting the path with the path I created before"

A path can contain several subpaths. A path is everything you see in that path in the paths panel. A subpath is two or more disconnected items. Since you said PS is putting the path with another path, I'm interpreting that as that you have two subpaths on one path.

To separate them:

• Name the first path so it is not a workpath
• Use the Direct Selection tool "A" (white arrow) to select one subpath
• Edit > Cut
• Create a second path > name it > select it
• Edit > Paste

To avoid the problem:

• Before you convert the selection to a path, create and name a new path and make sure that path is selected

If I'm on the wrong track, please post screen shots of your Layers, Channels, and Paths panels so we can better assist.

Jane

[Faby5FAE]

I've just found out that's all about naming. If I have an unnamed path
stored and then I create a path from a selection, it will overwrite the
existing path (yeah sorry I was wrong before, it doesn't just put the path
with the other one, it overwrites it). If I name the existing path and then
I create a path from a selection, it will create a new path.

Another small question. What's the difference between path and work path?
Sometimes I read path1, path2, path3 and so on if I click on the icon to
create a new path, sometimes I read work path. They seem the same to me, a
space where I can create and store my paths. I can't figure it out.

Anyway thanks for your precious help, I really appreciated it, and thanks
everyone for the other useful answers. You made me understand.

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

You're welcome, @Faby5FAE , I'm glad I could help.

A workpath is a temporary path and will be replaced if it is not named. You can only have one workpath. If you deselect your paths and start to use the Pen tool in Path mode, a new workpath will be created. It's best to name the workpath if you want to preserve it. Otherwise you risk losing it.

If you want to save the path, it needs to have a name. You can use Path 1, Path 2, Path 3, but it's a good practice to use descriptive names that you will recognize later.

Try this:

• In a new document, create something with the Pen tool and watch the Paths panel
• You will see that a Workpath (temporary) was just created
• Deselect the Workpath (click in the blank area underneath)
• Create something else with the Pen tool in Path mode. The Workpath now has the new shape, not the old one.
• Undo
• Save the Workpath by double-clicking the name
• Deselect the former temporary workpath, now a named path (click in the blank area underneath)
• Create something else with the Pen tool in Path mode. This new shape is on a new workpath and the saved path still exists. Save this path by double-clicking the name..
• Select one path or the other to see the paths in your document.

Details here:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/paths.html

Jane

[Faby5FAE]

Exactly as you say. I finally got it. Thank you very much.

[jane-e]

You're very welcome, @Faby5FAE 😊 We're here to help!

Jane

[Trevor.Dennis]

Two easy ways to save a path are to rename it, or drag it to the New Path Icon (green arrow below)

There are some useful icons at the bottom of the Paths panel. From left to right"

Fill a path with the foreground colour

Stroke a path using the foreground colour and the currently select brush and size.

The other two are as per the screen shot.