The Circular Path

The principle of using the pen tool on a circular path is basically the same as the straight-lined one. The difference here, is that you are clicking to position a new node and dragging as you do so. The drag action produces 'handles' with which you can use to manipulate the path to a curve as you move around the area that you are selecting.

It takes a bit of practise to get used to the action, but once you get the hang of it, it is very easy. If you are working in the document that I supplied, make sure that you are working on a new path layer.... (click the arrow on the top right of the palette and select 'new path' in the fly out menu... or click the new path button on the bottom of the palette to create the new path layer.)

Once you have returned to the beginning again, this is where you can play with various options to fine-tune your path. Select the 'direct selection' tool and move nodes and handle points around so that they follow the path precisely. When you select a node with the direct selection tool, you will see that the node becomes solid (filled in) to show that it is selected.

Use the other pen tool options to add nodes, delete nodes and the convert point tool to amend the handles around the curve. Play and learn ;) (continued...)