Unable to fix the height of a path in Photoshop CS6

[TheTurbot]

I want to create a path in Photoshop CS6 with a fixed height and variable width, but when I draw a path Photoshop takes no notice of the height I have set.

For example, I select the Path (rounded rectangle) tool, set the height as 50 px and leave the width box empty. But when I drag the mouse across the screen the rectangle has no fixed lengths.

i have tried resetting the Path tool, but it makes no difference.

Many thanks for any suggestions.

[davescm]

Hi

You draw the rectangular path by either dragging the mouse or by entering values. The latest entry of either mouse or values overrides the last. What you can do is drag out the rectangle first with the mouse then enter a height value and the rectangle will change to that height keeping whatever width you dragged.

To make copies with the same height use the path selection tool (black arrow) and Alt drag to get a copy. You can now type in the new width and repeat as required.

Dave

[TheTurbot]

Thanks for your help, Dave.

however, if I set values, Photoshop insists on me entering both the width and the height. Then it will place a shape with those values on my screen. If I enter a value for the width alone, then Photoshop will not place a shape of any size on my screen.

if, instead, I draw a freehand path using the mouse, with no fixed values set, it will not allow me subsequently to fix a value for the width or height.

so, I am unable to do what you suggest.

I am using the shape too (U) with the rounded rectangle, to create a Path.

Thanks again for your help.

[davescm]

Hi

I was using CC when I wrote my last post so I just fired up a laptop, with CS6, to check. It did work exactly as I describe above. Drag out the rectangle path with the mouse then immediately enter the height value in the options bar and the rectangle changes. I am using Windows on both machines so can't check on Mac

Dave

[TheTurbot]

Thanks for going to all this trouble to help me.

Unfortunately, I still can’t replicate what you are able to achieve.

I’m trying on 2 PCs, a Windows 7 and a Windows 10, both running Photoshop CS6.

Just so you know exactly what steps I’m following:

I open Photoshop and create a file. Select the rounded rectangle tool (U). At top of screen I pick the Path mode.

Then I have tried several different things, but none work for me:

1. I drag out an unconstrained shape. Then enter a fixed width and height. Nothing happens.

2. I drag out an unconstrained shape. Then go to Layer < Vector Mask < Current Path. Then enter a fixed width and height. Nothing happens.

Many thanks again, Dave.

Will

[TheTurbot]

Thanks edgrimley.

unfortunately, when I try this it does bad things to the radius I set (feathering it because it’s been stretched). I really need to find a Path solution rather than a pixels one.

many thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

[edgrimley]

Yes it will change the radius that's true, but as for feathering, that's just Photoshop displaying it as raster. If you want to see the result as a true vector, save it a s a PDF.

[edgrimley]

Another thought. Use the grid set to snap to. Set the grid as required for your needs in preferences. Use the 4 X 4 path, then with the direct selection tool select all the points on one side and move it as you wish.

[TheTurbot]

Thanks edgrimley. This is a really helpful workaround of my problem.

Still puzzled why why I can’t fix the height (by itself) using the dialogue box.

many thanks.

[Jeff Arola]

If you go to Edit>Free Transform Path, change the percent to px in the tool options bar by right clicking in the field you then set your value(s) after the path is drawn.

If you use a Shape Layer instead of a path, then you just change the size using the fields in the tool options bar with the rounded rectangle tool selected.

[Jeff Arola · Accepted solution]

Another way is to draw a path, leave the Rounded Rectangle Tool selected, change the Tool Mode from Path to Shape

and then you should be able to change the path size by entering the size in the tool options bar.

[TheTurbot]

Jeff,

Thank you so much! This final suggestion works best for me because it lets me draw the length I need and then set the fixed height in the options bar.

I’m very grateful for all your help.

will

[chanaart]

I no longer have CS6 on my machine. so cannot check it out.

Sorry.

Chana

[TheTurbot]

Thanks Chana.

[edgrimley]

Try this, used a fixed size of 4X4. The use Transform and leave the height at 100%, then set the width to whatever you wish.