Select Paths with Photoshop Path Selection Tool

This guide explains how to quickly select and manipulate entire vector paths using the Path Selection Tool in Adobe Photoshop. You will learn how to locate the tool, adjust its selection modes, select single or multiple closed or open paths, and manage vector elements efficiently without accidentally altering individual anchor points.

Locate the Path Selection Tool

  1. Open your project containing vector shapes or paths in Adobe Photoshop.
  2. Go to the Tools panel on the left side of the workspace.
  3. Click and hold the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow icon) to reveal the flyout menu, or press A on your keyboard.
  4. Select the Path Selection Tool (represented by a solid black arrow icon).

Select a Single Path

  1. Ensure the layer containing your vector path is selected in the Layers panel, or adjust the tool settings to auto-detect layers.
  2. Move the cursor over any segment or fill of the vector path.
  3. Click once.
  4. The entire path will highlight, displaying all of its anchor points simultaneously as solid or outlined points, confirming the whole component is selected.

Select Multiple Paths

  • Shift-Click Method: Click the first path to select it, then hold down the Shift key and click any additional paths you want to include in the selection.
  • Marquee Drag Method: Click and drag a rectangular bounding box over the paths you wish to select. Any path that falls completely or partially within the marquee will be selected.

Configure Selection Scope (Options Bar)

At the top of the screen in the Options bar, you can refine how the tool behaves:

  • Select: Active Layers: Limits the Path Selection Tool to only selecting paths located on currently highlighted layers in your Layers panel. This prevents accidental selection of background or locked elements.
  • Select: All Layers: Allows you to click and select any vector path across your entire document, automatically switching layer context when clicked.

Common Actions with Selected Paths

  • Move: Click and drag anywhere on the selected path to reposition it on the canvas.
  • Transform: Press Ctrl + T (Windows) or Command + T (macOS) to scale, rotate, or skew the entire vector path.
  • Duplicate: Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and drag the selected path to create an identical vector copy on the same layer.
  • Delete: Press Backspace or Delete to remove the entire vector path from the canvas.