Send
this page

Register with
psptips.com
 

 
 
A single line is just as it says, a single line. It doesn't do much but if the Create as Vector option was selected, the line may be edited and deformed later with the Vector Properties dialog box and the Vector Object Selection tool.

To create a bezier curve, select the Draw Tool. In the Tool Options dialog box choose the following settings:

• Type: Bezier Curve
• Style: Stroked
• Width: (Your choice)
• Antialias: checked
• Create as Vector: checked
• Close Path: Unchecked

Place the cursor over your canvas and draw a straight line.

Select the Vector Object Selection line. Left click anywhere above or below the line. Direction handles will appear at each end of the line. Drag the direction handle to form the curve.

The initial line can be clicked twice to edit the curve, the first click for the start handle and the second for the end handle. When the second mouse click is released the line will be 'set' and fill with the selected color.

Bezier Curves that were created with the Create as vector box checked may be further edited by selecting the Vector Object Selection tool. The Tools Option dialog box will now show a Node Edit button, or you can right click on the working canvas and select Node Edit from the drop down menu that appears. Unfortunately, the Tools Option dialog box does not have an Exit Node Edit button which can cause some confusion when you're ready to stop editing the line. Right click on the working canvas and select Quit Node Editing, or press CTRL + C on your keyboard to exit the editing mode.

Tip:

Wondering how to get a drop shadow on a vector graphic? It's not nearly as mysterious as it first appears. Open the Layer Pallette. Right click on the layer that contains your vector graphic, select Convert to Raster from the drop down menu. All of the effects, including the drop shadow are now available to you.

The Freehand Line will appear as a segmented line while you draw it but will revert to a solid line upon releasing the mouse button upon drawing completion. The segments are controled by the Curve Tracking setting.

All of the drawing tool options may be applied to the Freehand Line including the Styles, Cap, and Joins

Freehand lines, when created as a vector graphic, can be edited and deformed with the Vector Object Selection Tool. Select the tool, and either click on the Node Edit buton in the Tool Options dialog box or right click on the image and select Node Edit from the drop down menu.

When you're satisfied with the shape exit the edit mode by right clicking on the image and selecting Quite Edit from the drop down menu. At this point you may convert the layer to Raster and apply any of the image effects you desire. ( Right click on the layer that contains your vector graphic, select Convert to Raster from the drop down menu).

Point to Point lines are really cool! You can click two points on the canvas and a line will connect them. But... try a click, hold the button in and drag. When you release the button your point will have control handles and a directional path. Alter the direction the arrow is pointing and wah-lah, when you place your second point you will have a curved line instead of a straight one!