How to Draw Lines & Curves
Using the line tool and several other tools in programs such as Adobe Photoshop, you have the ability to create many variations of lines and curves with minimal training and little difficulty. Within the line tool, you have the options to select the standard fill-with-pixels option or the more flexible path-and-shape tool options. To create a basic line, you will be using the aforementioned standard fill-with-pixels option. To create a curved line, you will be using the shape-tool option. The pen tool will also come in handy for a brief moment to establish the curve in the latter.
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Instructions
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Lines
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1
Create a new file.
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2
Select the line tool in the left side of the window. If you can not see the line tool, then click once on the solid-shaped tool button and a tray will pop out giving you several tool options including the line tool.
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3
Click the fill-with-pixels button at the top-left side of the window, which is the third of three choices, after the shape-layer and the path buttons.
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4
Set the weight or thickness of the line you would like to make. Add arrowheads if you desire by clicking the button with the carrot to the left of the weight. Add up to two arrowheads and set the width, length and concavity.
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5
Click and drag within the image to form your line. Experiment with different variations of lines in separate layers of your image, adjusting the weight, opacity, and arrowhead settings.
Curves
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6
Create a new file.
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7
Select the line tool in the left hand side of the window. If you can not see the line tool, click once on the solid shape tool button and a tray will pop out which will give you several tool options including the line tool.
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8
Select the shape layer option at the top left corner of the window. This option is the first of a group of three options and has the image of a square shape with small squares at each corner.
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9
Set the weight of the line you are going to make. Add arrowheads if desired, although they are not necessary. Click and drag within the image to form your line.
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10
Select the pen tool at the left side of the window. Click at the center of the line you drew on both sides. Select the direct selection tool at the left side of the window which has the picture of an arrow outline. Click on each point you added at the center of your line, one at a time, and drag the point away in any direction to form a curve. Make sure to do this with both points in the same direction.
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Tips & Warnings
Adjusting the concavity of the arrowheads will result in either an arrow or arrows where the back two corners extend away from the tip, or a more spear-like arrow or arrows, depending on the percentage you set.
When creating the curve, add more points using the pen tool to the line for more flexibility as far as the shape of your curve or to add a series of curves within the curved line.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
