Deleting Multiple Photoshop CC Work Path Achor Points

Question

When vectorising a jpeg image (OK, not a true vectoring, but creating vector paths for layer masks which create a crisp "vector like" images when resized) the process of selecting the outline using the Magic Wand or Quick Selection Tool and creating a work path creates a large number of anchor points which ultimately whilst working on the image, you don't need.

When using the Direct Selection tool, you can select a number of anchor points by dragging a selection box around them, and when you press the delete button, you can delete the anchor points, but it will split the workpath open.

How do you delete multiple achor points whilst keeping the workpath closed?

I have tried shift+delete and the same happens.

Answer 1

Photoshop is not a program optimized for advanced vector work despite having vector tools. The specific vector manipulation options such as the one referred in the question, can only be found in vector drawing programs such as Illustrator or Inkscape.

I suppose you have done the vectorization from a selection using Make Worth Path, obviously those vectors are not useful. Delete them.

You must do it again by changing the Tolerance, the greater the number of tolerance, the fewer nodes but more imprecision.

• With a selection go to the Path Panel Menu> Make Work Path

Answer 2

I don't know why I didn't think of this before.

Move some of the anchors to roughly where you want them, and leave the excess.

When using the Direct Selection tool, you can select a number of anchor points by dragging a selection box around them.

When you realease the mouse, all the anchor points selected within the box turn blue.

When you press the delete button, the blue anchor points are removed, but the workpath will be open.

You can use the pen tool to draw a line connecting the two open anchor points to close them back up. This is much quicker than deleting each individual anchor point one by one.