Select paths and path segments

Last updated on Oct 9, 2026

Learn how to use the Path Selection and Direct Selection tools to choose entire paths or individual segments for editing in Photoshop.

Selecting paths displays their anchor points, direction lines, and direction points, making them available for editing, moving, or transformation. Selected anchor points appear as filled squares, unselected points as hollow squares, and direction handles as filled circles on curved segments.

This procedure applies to work paths, saved paths, and shape layers. Use the Path Selection tool when you need to select and move entire path components or use the Direct Selection tool when you need to modify individual anchor points and segments within a path.

Practice selecting paths in Photoshop to build your path editing skills.

Select a path component

Select the Path Selection tool from the toolbar.

Select a layer containing the path you want to work with.

Click anywhere inside the path component in the document window.

Note

If multiple path components overlap, only the component directly under the pointer is selected.

Tip

When working with complex paths, you can temporarily activate the Direct Selection tool from most other tools by positioning the pointer over an anchor point and pressing Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS).

Select path segments and anchor points

Select the Direct Selection tool from the toolbar.

Click an anchor point on the segment you want to select or drag a marquee around part of the segment.

Tip

To select an entire path using the Direct Selection tool, Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) inside the path.

Select multiple path components or segments

Select the Path Selection tool or Direct Selection tool.

Select your first path component or segment.

Shift-click additional path components or segments to add them to your selection.

Select multiple paths across different layers

Select Window > Paths to open the Paths panel.

Make paths visible by doing one of the following: Shift-click to select contiguous paths, or Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (macOS) to select non-contiguous paths.

Drag over the segments in the document window or Shift-click individual paths to select them.

Tip

You can work with paths in isolation mode to focus only on the layer containing the active path. With a path selected, double-click in the document window using a selection tool to enter isolation mode. To exit, double-click away from the path, turn off Layer Filtering, or switch Layer Filtering to something other than selected.

After selecting paths or segments, you can move them by dragging or proceed to edit their shape. For foundational information about path structure and components, see Paths in Photoshop. To modify selected paths, see Edit path segments.

Create stunning images with Photoshop
Edit, retouch, and transform photos with the industry-leading creative tools you know and love.

Open the app

Manage paths in the Paths panel

Set and manage shape stroke options

Learn

Learn with step-by-step video tutorials and hands-on guidance right in the app.

Community

Join discussions, find answers, learn from experts, and share your knowledge.

Adobe Home

Access your favorite Creative Cloud apps, services, file management, and more.