I've just realised how awesome and flexible the pen tool can be and have come across a problem.

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs18/f/2007/162..._rikoruss31.jpg

I've managed to trace the centre cross image out using the pen tool but when it comes to defining a custom shape I can't get the four holes within the circle to show as holes even though I've traced them all.

First I traced around the outside of the image then I traced the centre triangles but I'm always getting a completely solid cross.

How can I get something inside to show as transparent?

Here's a screenshot to better explain...


The white lines around the cross are where I've traced with the pen tool (not bad for my very first attempt!) and the small window above shows how Photoshop is picking it up.

I've not used the pen tool but you could do this:

Create a new layer with what you've traced.

Using the magic wand select the area on the original image you want to remove, then select the new layer and hit delete.

This will remove the inner areas on the new layer using the old layer as a template. I use this method quite a bit to remove shapes and create fillers.

Thanks for the reply but I've found out how to do it so I can define a custom shape with the four centre pieces cut out.

When tracing around the centre gaps I needed to use the "subtract" part of the pen tool which is a small icon in the top toolbar directly under the menu.

("Exclude overlapping path areas" as it says in the tooltip)

Might as well show off the final artpiece...



I would attach the PSD but zipped it's 601KB and using 7zip gets it to 200KB but I can't upload 7z files :(

you dont have to define a custom shape..
just do the trace with the pen tool, if its done then right mouse click on the path and choose make selection, after that you can color the selection..
if you want to outline it right click and choose stroke path, select brush, and use a 3 pixel hard brush for it..
buuut if you really want to learn how to use the pen tool you have to use illustrator, my sig and avatar are also done in illustrator and the pen tool there is much more advanced
and you have more options when it comes to vector work..
the only thing you got to keep in mind with vectors are these steps:

then it always looks good haha good luck!

that sig looks awesome Zeb i have never used the pen tool either, well i tell a lie, i have once but couldn't get the hang of it

once u know the basics its just a matter of practicing alot. its pretty hard at first but once u know how to make every corner and how to use brushes with the pen tool then its the most awesome tool in photoshop and illustrator

nice.... yes i hav heard of the many good features of the pen tool. but for beginners the pen tool is like that rouge toll that wouldnt do wat u want. i find it difficult to learn and really havnt found an easy enuff tut to fully understand the pen tool

just like Bigbudda says the pen tool is the awesome tool in photoshop & its my favorite too...

this is what i usually do in using pen tool...

if you click on the exclude overlapping.... .... ... you can get your four holes within the circle...its automatic you dont need to subtract or add the area it will just take time & sometimes very confusing..

just try it, do some tracing, after.. make selection, feather radius to "0" or it depends..then you got it...

try inverting selection also >=)

Cheers guys for the tips......so cool