In what situations is the pen tool in Photoshop more advantageous than using it in Illustrator?

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
September 21, 2019
3 replies
1061 views

I recognize that both are very similar, with some differences, but I don't understand why I would use the one in Photoshop when there is more features in Illustrator when using the pen tool? What advantages are there to using it in Photoshop? Are there any that come to mind?

Thank you for your time.

FAQ

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Correct answer Chuck Uebele

You could, but it would be horribly inefficient. By masking, I mean taking a photo and creating a vector mask to, say, drop out the background. No point in opening an image in IA creating the mask, then copying it into PS, and possibly having to align it. Plus IA doesn't use pixel dimensions, so you have to make sure you use the same ppi, or when you copy your path into PS the size may not match. I found this out the hard way. Obviously, if you want to create vector layers IA is better, with more tool options.

josephlavine

Community Expert

The simple response is that the Pen Tool works great at creating vector selections. It's used less and less in Photoshop as selection tools have improved, but there are those times when it's simply the best tool for the job.

Chuck Uebele

Correct answer

Community Expert

You could, but it would be horribly inefficient. By masking, I mean taking a photo and creating a vector mask to, say, drop out the background. No point in opening an image in IA creating the mask, then copying it into PS, and possibly having to align it. Plus IA doesn't use pixel dimensions, so you have to make sure you use the same ppi, or when you copy your path into PS the size may not match. I found this out the hard way. Obviously, if you want to create vector layers IA is better, with more tool options.

Overground555Author

Known Participant

I definitely can see how it would be more efficient to do that work in one application, rather than hopping back and forth between PS and AI. Thanks again.

Chuck Uebele

Community Expert

Being in Photoshop and not having IA for starters. Actually making vector mask is a major use of the pen tool in PS.

Overground555Author

Known Participant

Thanks for the quick feedback Chuck. Couldn't I take a vector selection from Illustrator and use it for the same purpose in Photoshop?

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