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Posted on 27/07/13 9:46:36 PM |
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ConnieR.
* Posts: 53 Reply  |
Photoshop Shapes problem
I'm having a problem with using the "shapes" in Photoshop. I'm trying to make a collage sheet template that I can fill with a bunch of small photos. I have a background layer of white, document size 8 1/2" x 11", 300 dpi. I draw an ellipse shape set to 30x40mm, with anti-aliasing selected, to get a smooth shape. It is filled with black. Then I make a bunch of copies of that, and line them all up. Then I merge all the shape layers, and the select, so all the black shapes are selected. Switching to my white background layer, I then cut out those pixels, so I'm left with the template. (see attached). But when I put in my photos, and then view it at 100%, the ovals are not completely smooth, but have jagged edges. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong?  |
Posted on 27/07/13 9:49:09 PM |
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ConnieR.
* Posts: 53 Reply |
Re: Photoshop Shapes problem
Here is what the finished photo looks like at 100%.  |
Posted on 29/07/13 08:15:48 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7047 Reply  |
Re: Photoshop Shapes problem
I think this is simply a question of trying to represent a complex curve with a grid that is, essentially, made of square pixels. However fine your resolution, there's always going to be some raggedness simply because of the way the pixels approximate the shape of the curve. However, I think you could set up your template in a more user-friendly way. How about this: 1. Create a Shape layer by drawing a single ellipse, making sure the layer is set to draw Shapes (and not Paths or Pixels). You can fill the layer with any colour you like. 2. Duplicate the layer, and move the ellipse to a new location. Continue until you have a grid with each ellipse on its own layer. 3. Now start to bring in your images, and place each one above an individual Shape layer. Choose Make Clipping Mask from the Layer menu for each image. There are several advantages to this approach. First, it means you can move each image around on top of its own Shape layer, positioning each one as you like. Second, you're going to get rather smoother ellipses if you don't turn the Shapes into pixels. And Third, if you want much smoother outlines, increase the resolution from 300ppi to, say, 400 or 500ppi. Although I suspect that the slight jaggedness you're seeing won't be visible when you print the images out. |
Posted on 29/07/13 1:00:38 PM |
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Sjef
Flying Dutchman Posts: 571 Reply  |
Re: Photoshop Shapes problem
You could also get rid of those sharp edges (an easy alternative) by using Gaussian blur with a Radius of 0,5 pixels on your white template (on a duplicate Layer that is). That's just enough to deal with the raggedness of those square pixels.  |
Posted on 30/07/13 5:59:09 PM |
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ConnieR.
* Posts: 53 Reply |
Re: Photoshop Shapes problem
Thank you very much, Steve. I'll try that method, it sounds easier. The reason I picked 300ppi is because that is the general standard on all the collage sheets I've seen. No, the jaggedness isn't visible in print, but I still don't like it on the computer! Sjef, I'll try the slight Guassian blur and see how that looks. Thanks. |