How to fix the select function when using pen tool

[Deaf_Guy]

When I use the pen tool and then do CONTROL+ENTER it selects the shape I just made with the pen tool. I then copy and paste and it creates a new layer of the selection. I've been doing this for years it works great. But...

For some odd reason now, CONTROL+ENTER selects the INVERSE of it and I have to go up to the menu and select INVERSE and then the selection is what I want. I have no idea why it does this now, so is there a way to fix this so it doesn't do this any morre?

Thanks.

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

@Deaf_Guy 

Try resetting the Pen tool: Right-click the Pen tool in the options bar (not Tools panel) and Reset tool.

Jane

[Deaf_Guy]

OK thank you.

[jane-e]

@Deaf_Guy 

The options for tools in Photoshop are "sticky" meaning that if you change them they stay that way across documents and across time until you either change them again or you reset the tool. You may have changed this setting months ago and forgot about it. Whenever a tool does not behave the way you expect and you don't know why, resetting the tool will put it back to its defaults and will fix it.

Jane

[Michael Bullo]

When using the Pen Tool there is a Path Operations button within the Options bar running along the top of Photoshop. Click and hold on that button and you should see a series of options. Could yours be set to Subtract Front Shape? If so, set it to New Layer or Combine Shapes.

[Deaf_Guy]

OK thank you I'll try that.

[Michael Bullo]

Thank you. Best of luck.

[Michael Bullo]

Note that the Pen Tool has a Tool Mode drop down menu. Depending on whether this is set to Shape or Path will determine whether the Path Operations option of New Layer is available.