Okay ladies, Meryl and Amanda - Are you out there? I've just spent a fair amount of time in PS trying to create a pin stripe background (I could have done at least 50 in DIP right now, but I'm trying to resist the urge to give up!) I draw a rectangle using the rectangle shape tool and create a new layer but for the life of me cannot figure this out. I can copy it but then I can't move it. maybe I'm going about it the wrong way? I've read my manual, checked the adobe online and still stumped! Please help me???

Thanks

Anna

Are you using the 'shapes' tool to make the stripes? Exactly 'what' are you doing?

If I make a stripe with the shapes tool, in order to 'move' it around the page I have to go to the 'move' tool (little triangle arrow) and select it.

And if you do use the shape tool, you may want to 'rasterize' the layer after making your stripe. It make it easier to manipulate...at least for me.

HTH

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Laura directions are right on if you are using the shapes tool.

Another way is to use the rectangle marquee...and just fill. Then duplicate the layer and group and align.

if you dont' care about everything being exact, my fav way to do a pin stripe it to use a brush. Choose something with a hard edge...and make sure to hold your shift key down while you drag the stripe if you want it perfectly straight.

Yep using the shapes tool, manage to move it around with the move tool and have rasterized it. I copy it, then paste it onto a new layer, only it won't paste. Amanda, I'm pretty particular about things being exact so I'm not sure how the brush will work for me, but ya know - I'm going to give it a go - Tomorrow though. My poor brain hurts trying to take all this PS in! I'll let you know!
Anna

Anna -
It seems you are using the shapes tool for a lot of things! Just to let you know....the ONLY time I use it is when I need a shape that I can't get with the marquee tool. If I can make it with the marquee tool...I do that...so much easier!

You can still do it with the brush tool...but you just need to make a new layer for each stroke.

Oh...just a thought! If it doesn't seem to paste...you probably need to select it. Hold down the shift button and click on the layer...this will select it. Then copy and paste onto a new layer.

agree with Amanda. The marquee tool is the best for making shapes. AS far as being exact, if you have your ruler showing, you can make the marquee shape line up with your ruler tick marks. That way I know it is even.

Of course, I was doing the marquee shape w/o the ruler for so long, I don't know how I lived w/o it.

Anyway, the marquee makes shapes simple. Nothing to rasterize and easy to copy....anything that is simple is good in my book.


lol

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I make a lot of stripes - here's what I do -

I create my first stripe, either with the rectangle or the line tool. Then I DUPLICATE that layer (Layer>Duplicate Layer). I use the guides (Those blue lines that come out of the rulers if you click and drag - they will not print) to position my lines. Then I Merge Down (Under Layer) so those two lines can now be dupilcated. Repeat. Eventually, if you keep doubling your group each time, you'll get to the point where you have half of your canvas to fill, and one Duplicate Layer will finish the job.

That way, all your stripes are in one layer in the end.

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My layouts!