Need help with torn edges + transparency bug

[inkworm]

Two ways of working with paths is to change the path layer from a work path to a separate layer, or how I do it is to paste Illustrator paths in as shape layers then use the vector selection tool to select the path I want and load a selection from that (cmd or ctrl and click on the shape layer) this will mean the same selection is picked up every time.

However for outline shapes I just use the aircraft outline path as a vector mask to a layer group and put the layers within and then don't have to worry about loading selections half the time.

[GrubbyFingers]

Hi Mangas,

You can save your paths in Photoshop.

How Photoshop works with paths is a little odd. If you just draw a path Photoshop will place this in a new path layer and call this the Working Path (in italics). If you look in your Paths panel you should see it there. When the name of the path layer is in italics, it is not permanent and may disappear when you draw a new path. It sounds like this is what is happening to you.
To make it permanent you can either double-click on the Path name in the Path panel, or use the drop down menu in the top right corner of the Path panel and choose Save.
This path will then be saved when you save your Photoshop file and will be there for you next time you open it.
You can have as many "layers" of paths as you need. You can also select and copy a path and, when you paste it, it will drop back in exactly the same position.

I usually have one layer with all the airframe paths and then a second, third, fourth ... with just the markings paths for each variant.

I hope this helps.

Graeme.

[GiantFlyingRobots]

Nice succinct explanation of paths Graeme.

Along with Masks, once you have mastered these features you are well on the way to understanding the power of Photoshop.

Then there's Filters...

[Mangas]

Thanks to everybody for the replies. BLOWHARD & Graeme, your thorough explanations are the best NY present a skinner-beginner could possibly wish to get.
But, concerning the situation for this particular project -- is there any chance to save a month of work -- to fix the torn outline edges somehow? Can refine edges (or smth) help?

[BLOWHARD]

Glad to help. I still remember when I had just gotten a computer and Photoshop and it was all so complicated. I was lucky in having a friend online to guide me along

It's hard to say. Do you have a version of the outlines without jagged edges? Your PSD is probably pretty large but if you can find a way to get it to me I'd be glad to take a look and see if there is a way to fix the problem.
Are you still having the trouble with transparency too?

By the way, simply double clicking the path in the path window will open a save as dialogue window, and simply hitting return or clicking the ok button will get you a saved numbered path. It won't save the file however, you'll still need to save the whole file to keep that path. But next path you draw will not overwrite any saved paths.

[Mangas]

Inky, I cannot stress how I love this approach from now on! Not only it hides culprits parts of the shades/highlights I accidently left over, the base outlines are smooth than never before!



The only drawback is that the vector mask is visible and it's kinda annoying a little during work...

[inkworm]

Just click on the actual path mask once and it won't show, I prefer masking the group and having a few layers in that so when working on the layer the path doesn't show. Glad I've got another convert though, welcome to the joy of vector masks!

[BLOWHARD]

Nice detail shot too