Using the pen tool is quite tricky. It doesn't function like the brush - the pen tool is operated by creating anchor points and bending strokes to draw complex shapes or paths.

First, let's make sure that the tool is set to the correct mode for drawing.

Make sure that Shape Layer (leftmost box, next to the image of the pen tool) is selected. This causes the tool to draw the shape on its own layer, as opposed to just creating a path. Also make sure that "Auto Add/Delete" is checked.

Now, click somewhere in your image. A small square will appear. This is called an anchor point. Click around to create a few more.

By now you should have a general shape created. Click once more to create an anchor point, but this time, hold down the mouse button and drag to the top side of the screen. This will curve the line. Continue creating your shape if you'd like, or click on the original anchor point to close the path and create the shape.

Now you've got a new shape Layer with the shape you just finished drawing. You can no longer edit the shape until you Rasterize it (layer menu -> rasterize -> shape.)

Go back to the options bar and change from Shape Layer to Paths (the middle box.) Return to your image and draw something again. Notice that this time, color is not automatically added. Instead, you simply get the outline of the shape. Finish your shape by clicking on the original anchor point, then go to the Layers palette (if you haven't closed or moved it, you will find it in the lower right portion of the screen.) Select the Paths tab.

You will see a small image of the path you just created. Hold down the Control key and click on it. This will open up a menu for you, where you can fill the path you've created with a pattern or a solid color, or you can "stroke it," which will draw a line along the path for you using the current settings of your brush tool.

A nice set of sister tools to the pen tool are the path and direct selection tools. The path selection tool, represented by a black arrow as shown to the left, will select an entire path for you and allow you to move it around. The direct selection tool, represented by a white arrow, will allow you to select and manipulate individual anchor points on a path.

 

 

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