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Texture created with the Graphic Pen filter. Layer
Effects> Inner Bevel with reduced values is used to define the lines.
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Filters for Lines
Try using the marquee settings on the previous page with a filter. You
will find that almost all attempts return an error message telling you
that your selection area is too small. We can fill a larger area though
and still use the precise control of the fixed width marquee.
Using the Normal style for the marquee, select a rectangular area that
exceeds the length of the line you desire and is at least 50 pixels
high. Fill and apply any filter. When you are satisfied with the texture
you have created, set the values for a fixed size marquee as above.
For most textures a height of at least 4 px is required to allow the
texture to show.
 Click
on the texture you have created to apply the fixed size selection. You
may wish to move the selection area to another area of the pattern.
Choose Selection>Inverse from the main menu and then delete. This
will clear the pattern area, leaving you with a perfectly sized textured
line. Most textured lines will look more finished when you apply a very
slight 3D effect to them in the layers menu. Be careful here. The idea
is to define the area, not create a 3D object. See the examples at the
left.
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Line variations created with the brush as described
at right. The top sample is drawing with the Pencil tool, holding the
SHIFT key down to constrain to a straight line. The second and third
samples are created with the same tool and method, but with the Fade
set to 10 and 5 in the Pencil Option window.
Variation of above brush. Size 3 px, Hardness 44%.
Spacing (from top to bottom) 250, 350, 450, 600 and 999%.
Another variation. Size 1 px, Hardness 100%, spacing
500%. Top line is Fade 0. Bottom is Fade 40 steps.
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Dots
No discussion about lines could be considered complete without including
dotted lines. Unlike illustration programs, PhotoShop does not have
a handy dotted stroke setting. However, it is almost that easy.
Any brush or pencil shape can create a dotted line by specifying increased
spacing. We could adjust the spacing on any brush, but I prefer to leave
my default brushes untouched. It is very easy to create a new brush,
and you can use it over and over to have consistent dotted lines.
Choose Window>Show Brushes from the main menu to open the Brushes
window if necessary.  From
the fly-out menu at the top right of the window, choose New Brush to
open the New Brush window.
Set the desired diameter, Hardness (100% is no softening) and a spacing
of at least 150-200% depending on how much space you desire between
dots. Choose OK and a new brush will appear at the bottom of the default
brushes (you may have to scroll down to see your new brush).
To draw the line, make sure the pencil tool is selected and draw. Holding
your SHIFT key once you start to draw will constrain the drawing to
a straight line.
Test your line. If you are not satisfied with the results, double click
on your new brush in the Brushes window. The Brush Options window will
open, presenting you with the same options you had when you created
the brush.
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