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This lesson demonstrates how to outline an object with type. To work along, download the photographer image Here. Unzip the file and open it onto Photoshop’s workspace.
My Pen Tool for beginners lesson can be found Here.
Undo and Navigation Steps
Two ways of undoing steps are from the top menu, Edit then Step Backwards. Alternatively, click a previous snapshot in the History Palette.
Navigate (zoom in and pan) your image using the Navigator Palette,
or the Zoom Tool. 
Activate The Hand Tool by tapping the Spacebar, keeping the Spacebar pressed, pan your image in the usual way. 
1/
Open an image onto Photoshop’s workspace. If you are using the photographer image, (to enlarge its white background), activate the Crop Tool; surround the image with a Crop bounding box, drag the handles to enlarge the white background, then press your Enter key.
2/
Now, from the toolbar, activate the Pen Tool.
And set the following attributes into its Options bar.
You are looking to click a path around the object, to which your type will be applied. Therefore, left-click where you want the path to begin, to apply your first Anchor Point.
Note: A complicated path with sharp (severe) curves will be harder to place type around than a gentle path; if you are new to this, apply a very gentle curve.
Continue left-clicking to apply Anchor Points (and path segments) around your image; carefully tracing it’s contours, ensuring the path remains the same distance from the object. Then manoeuvre and bend the path, as necessary. To undo a segment, click and earlier snapshot in the History Palette, or press your Backspace key.
Bear in mind you will be applying type to the path, therefore, position your path with care.
Before clicking the first anchor, (consequently closing the path), ensure it follows the object’s contours, evenly.
After you have closed the path, you are ready for the next step.
3/
Activate the Horizontal Type Tool.  Lesson.
And set the type attributes of your choice into its Options bar.
Now, hover your cursor over the path, then left-click. You will then see the following flashing cursor, also known as an I-beam. You can now enter your type.
Note
It is important to practise with different fonts and sizes, to discover what works best for the path and image; additionally, activate the Character box,
(Window then Character), and after you have applied your type; fine tune your type by adjusting the Character’s settings.
After your type has travelled completely around the path, you are ready for the next
step.
4/
Left-click and sweep your cursor around your type, to highlight it.
5/
Then from the Character palette, experiment with different fonts, sizes, and colours. Additionally, experiment with Tracking - highlighted below. Tracking changes the type’s spacing, ensuring it is not too close together. Aligning your type takes practise and time.
Tip
Nudge letters around the path using your spacebar.
After you have aligned your type, and are pleased with the result, press the Enter key to (permanently) commit the change.
Tip
To view your image without the path, click the Background layer.
 
Note
To apply a Style to your type; (from the foot of the Layers palette), click the Add a layer style icon (f-fx), and make your choice from the drop-down list - I chose a Gradient Overlay.
6/
When you are happy with your work, from the top menu, choose Layer then choose Flatten Image, then save your work.
Wendi E M Scarth. Top of Page - Home.
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