Pixel Vs. Solid Line in Photoshop

Though Adobe Photoshop is largely a raster-based photo-editing program, it does contain some vector features. You have the option to create lines from either pixels or the mathematical algorithms that underlie vector tools.

Identification

Lines comprised of pixels will appear jagged when magnified because they are based upon the smallest unit a computer can display. A vector line, known colloquially as a "solid line," is based on a mathematical formula connecting two points.

Creation

Most tools in Photoshop create lines based upon pixels, including the brush and the pencil tools. The pen tool, by contrast, creates vector lines. Use the pen tool by selecting two or more points on the screen. You can toggle the line to create curves by clicking and dragging it.

Considerations

A vector line alone, or a "path," will not appear if you save your image for Web use or print it out. You must "stroke" the line, or add a path of pixels. Do so by clicking "Edit" on the main tool bar, then selecting "Stroke." Specify the desired width of your line in the stroke dialog box.

References

• "Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book"; Adobe Creative Team; 2010)
• Adobe CS5: Stroke a selection or layer with color