Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 8/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Kevin,

I photograph vintage and classic automobiles.  Once my images are in Photoshop I rework them whereby they look more illustrative than photographic.  Basically I create shapes to do what I do and each shape has its own layer.  My shapes could be that of a door or fender for example.  I need to get away from the rasterized edges of the shapes I work with!  I must be able to enlarge and reduce my finished images while maintaining clean, crisp edges!  I use the Pologonal Lasso Tool almost exclusively.  Additionally I color fill, merge and link layers, use transformation features, and varied opacity settings, etc.  I have used books and online tutorials to find an  answer without success.  I have tried working with the Vector Mask option yet I still do not achieve the ultra clean edge.  I have read that this need of mine is in fact possible in Photoshop and I have also been told that it may not be possible.  Bottom line:  I need the clean edges (as found in Illustrator) while working with Photoshop.  I would like to avoid getting into Illustrator because I have been using Photoshop for many years and I am comfortable with its functions and tools!

I work with a recent Mac/Leopard and CS3.  

I will be most grateful if you can help me with this problem and hopefully it will help others also.

Thank you Kevin!  I look forward to your reply.

Chip

ANSWER: Hi Chip,

Unfortunately, the answer is probably what you don't want to hear. The solution is either using Vector shape layers in Photoshop or use Illustrator.

I use Illustrator exclusively for the same effect you are describing.

If you still want to use Photoshop, be sure to use Vector Shape layers with the pen tool and not a vector mask on a raster layer. Photoshop will always give you rasterized edges even at very high resolution when you use selections and raster layers. This will also depend on your resolution as to how bad it will look.

The best advice I can give you is to practice and become more comfortable with the pen tool to create smooth curves and in the end you will be very happy with the results.


Thanks!

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Kevin,

Thank you for your e-mail and helpful information!  I need some followup information.

Related to creating vector shapes in Photoshop,  I am confused because when I go to "Help" for CS3 and specifically to Drawing/Drawing vector graphics it states "Vector shapes are lines and curves you draw using the shape (Polygonal Lasso Tool?) or pen tools.  Vector shapes are resolution-independent-they maintain crisp edges when resized, printed to a PostScript printer, saved in a PDF file, or imported into a vector-based graphics application".  

How do I create a specific "Vector Shape Layer"?  Again in Drawing/Drawing vector graphics it talks about
"Shape Layers" (not VECTOR Shape Layers) and it also states that shape or pen tools can be used.  Is there a difference between "Shape Layers" and Vector Shape Layers?  Using the pen tool I selected the Shape Layers option, drew a box and only one side maintained a crisp, clean edge.  This is at 300 dpi, but that should not make a difference here right?

I was interested to see that you do the same thing I do using Illustrator.  Briefly, how do you do it?  Is there an equivalent to a Polygonal Lasso Tool in Illustrator?  If so, does it function as in Photoshop, and is it possible to select with this tool and delete?

Would my problems be completely solved with Photoshop CS4?

Continued thanks Kevin!  I don't expect to wear this question out with you.  I will be doing the followup rating for you!  This is a great service that is being provided and I am certain that it is helping a lot of people.

Chip  

Answer
Hi Chip,

You're not wearing me out so don't worry.

First, avoid the polygon or any other lasso tool. They have nothing to do with vectors.

In order to create vector shapes, you need to use either the Vector Shape tool in your toolbar (mouse over the rectangle shape button and a quick tip will show with the names of the tools) or the pen tool, which you are using.

When you create your Vector Shape using the pen tool, the preview may show up a little fuzzy depending on the magnification you are at. Try viewing at 100% to make sure it is smooth.

In Illustrator, I place (file>place) the PS image into my doc and trace it using the pen tool exclusively to give me solid, smooth shapes.

CS4 really wont solve any issues other than the magnification does not make a difference with the preview.

Thanks!

Kevin