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View Full Version : How to stroke a path without creating a closed path

convoyrider
07-07-2007, 09:59 AM
Hi guys
This question may have been asked before, but is it possible to make a stroked path without having to create a closed path. I usually want to stroke an open path that i've defined and will have to make a fully closed path, then stroke it, then delete the path that i didnt want stroked.

Is there a way to stroke an open path. Also, i've seen images of what i assume are stroked paths where there is tapering, is this just a matter of erasing the ends to create a tapered effect or is there a way to taper stroked paths.

Thnx
hamburgerlar
07-07-2007, 02:52 PM
Not sure which Ps you use but:
While the last point is still selected, just move your mouse over the pen tool selection on the icon bar and click it. This will reset the pen tool without removing the points. Then just go to the paths option and set your brush then stroke.
This way you dont have to close the path, and you can get the details you need.

As far as a taper, try different brushes or just edit the ends. I dont know of an easier way.
BlueFlare
07-08-2007, 01:30 AM
What you need is a real vector progam like Illustrator, because "vectors" in Photoshop are very limited.
The stroking of a path will work, but it doesn't allow you to edit the path or stroke color/size afterwards without having to stroke again.

My own little trick that I use sometimes is to create the path you need, convert it to a shape, set the fill to 0% and add a layer style set to stroke. Use a mask to hide specific parts of the path and make sure that Layer Mask hides effects is selected in the layer style blending options when you do that.

But again... it's much wiser to use any true vector program like Illustrator, but of course that also depends on what you're actually working on.

Good luck. ;)
trancor
07-08-2007, 06:39 AM
Make your path, select either the brush, smudge, blur, dodge, burn, desatch, shapen, clone tools and hit enter, this should stroke the path for ya
convoyrider
07-08-2007, 02:39 PM
Make your path, select either the brush, smudge, blur, dodge, burn, desatch, shapen, clone tools and hit enter, this should stroke the path for ya

Ah! Brilliant!, it works! thanks trancor, and thankyou hamburgelar and bluefare for your suggestions.
BlueFlare
07-09-2007, 07:34 PM
Ah! Brilliant!, it works! thanks trancor, and thankyou hamburgelar and bluefare for your suggestions.

Actually it was hamburgelar who suggested it first and since this traditional method doesn't allow you to change the path/stroke combination I just decided to add an alternative way.
As for tapered ends; if one end has to be tapered, then change the brush settings. If two sides have to be tapered, then use two paths. The direction of the path will decide where the tapering takes place. Bert Monroy has used (according to him) this technique time in this painting:

http://www.bertmonroy.com/fineart/text/lateafternoon.html
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