This tool works on images, layers and vector layers, and requires the user to plot a series of nodes, perhaps around a motif, through which it will draw a smooth line.

Creating a brush outline

1. Activate a spot layer or an image and select the combined spline tool from the tools window or press S on the keyboard.
2. Draw the desired shape by clicking a series of points and then double click to end your spline. The shape will be painted automatically once you have double clicked using whichever brush is selected in the Brushes Palette.
   
   

Creating a filled shape

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 above but ensure that when you double click at the end of your shape you hold down the ⌘ (command key) key on the keyboard. The shape will be filled with solid colour automatically once you have double clicked. 

Creating a selection

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 above but ensure that when you double click at the end of your shape you hold down ⌥ (option) and ⌘ (command) keys on the keyboard. The shape will become a selection automatically once you have double clicked. 

Creating a vector shape

1. Activate a vector layer and select the combined spline tool from the Tools Palette or press S on the keyboard.
2. Draw the desired shape by clicking a series of points and then double click to end your spline. The shape will form a vector automatically once you have double clicked. 
   

Undoing the spline curve

Incorrect points along the line can be deleted while you are creating them by pressing ‘B’ on the keyboard to erase the points and move backwards one at a time.

Completing the spline curve

Double click at the point where you want the curve to finish and the spline will be completed. Alternatively, if you position your cursor exactly over the point where you started the line, you will notice that the software automatically tries to curve the final point itself, rather than leaving a straight section at the start and end. In this case, just click once and both ends will be joined together smoothly.

To access this tool, click down and hold on the fit points tool, then select with tangents from the drop down menu. This tool only works on vector layers and requires a slightly different drawing technique compared to the Fit Points Tool. 

As you plot the nodes on your vector layer you can instantly create curves by clicking the next point and dragging its handle into the desired position with a click and drag motion. The user continues to plot their shape using this click and drag motion and when the line is complete, simply press ⮐ (return key) to complete the vector.

1. Begin drawing the vector by plotting the first two anchor points. On the second node, you can drag the handle into the desired position as shown in the picture below.
   
   
2. When you click the third node, you will see your curve start to take shape. Drag its handle to suit your desired curve.
   
   
3. Continue to plot your nodes and move the handles appropriately.
4. Press ⮐ (return key) on the keyboard to complete the vector.

This tool enables the user to anchor the start and end point of a spline and use a third click to adjust the curve between these two points simply by hovering over the curve and dragging it into the desired position. To access this tool, click down and hold on the fit points tool, then select three points from the drop down menu.

Once the first two points are in place, and you have amended the curve between them, the tool automatically moves on to allow the next node to be anchored.

1. Click the first and second point of the vector.
2. Hover your cursor over the centre of that line. You will see it start to bend.
   
   
3. Once your desired curve is achieved, simply click to define the shape.
   
   
4. When the curve is defined, move on to the next point.
   
   
5. Continue plotting and adjusting the curves as necessary, and press return to complete the vector.

This tool allows for rapid masking or clean copying of scanned designs. It gives extra control to the user by allowing changes to the line.

The Silhouette tool is similar in function to other spline tools, however gives the user more control and flexibility when masking their shape. Accessed from the brush tool, just click and hold to get this new option.

1. Add a 1 or 8 bit layer and activate it
2. Click the first and second point of the line.
3. Hover your cursor over the centre of that line. You will see it start to bend.
   
4. Once your desired curve is achieved, simply click to define the shape.
   
5. Use the red anchor points to make manual adjustments to the curve as necessary

Silhouette Settings

• Maximum width - the maximum possible size your line will be
• Width change pattern - works similarly to a gamma curve, you can add points and change the curve. The curve affects how thick the line is at different points.
• End shapes - allows the user to determine the end shape of their line. There are 4 options to choose from, in the image below you can see how each of the lines differ at the end:
• Start from last position - allows you to continue your line from exactly the last position you clicked. With this option on, you don't need to add two points each time, just click your next point as it will automatically set the first. 
• Fix - this fixes the line. Once you have done this you cannot continue to edit it. If you are working on a file a shortcut for this is to click ⮐ (return key). 

Saving your settings

You can quickly save the setting of the brush you are working with by clicking the plus button in the bottom left hand corner of the Silhouette tool settings window. This will automatically save your settings, so you can go back to them as needed. This allows you to build up a good selection of brushes that you can keep swapping between as you mask the file. 

The Movie