ROUNDING OFF CORNERS
Using 3 Different methods:
1) Channels method (a and b)
2) Quick mask method
3) Unsharp method
(experimenting)
Each of these methods is unique to itself, and each has its own pros and cons. But overall, any of them will work in most situation. It will depend on your own specific needs. Take note here that none of these methods are to be applied to circles or curved shapes, they will distort those shapes. Feel free though to experiment with applying these methods to pre-curved shapes; who knows... maybe you'll like the distortions that are produced!
For the purpose of instruction, we'll be using a new document. So before starting any of these methods, create one now using the following attributes:
Size: w300 x h300 pixels
Resolution: 72ppi
Mode: RGB
Contents: White
Step 1 - Method 1a: Using the 'Levels' filter (w/channels) |
Step 2 |
NOTE For anyone wanting to round off the corners of a photograph or other image that's already created, don't use the selection tool to manually create your selection. Instead, Ctrl-click on the layer containing your photo/image to select it. Then go to the channels palette, and use the selection of the photo/image as the selection for your channel. Then continue with step 2 - i.e. filling it with white and duplicating.
Step 3 |
Step 4 |
Black slider = 130 / Center (neutral) slider = 1.00 / White slider = 148
The black and white slider numbers may differ slightly for you, depending on the specific shape and size of your square or rectangle shape. But the numbers given here should get you quite close to a finished effect.
One thing to note here is that if you're using this method on smaller sized shapes, try setting the Black slider setting to 120, not 130.
Step 5 |
Step 1 - Method 1b: Using the 'Brightness & Contrast' filter (w/channels) |
Repeat steps 1 through 3 of the previous method.
Step 2 |
Brightness = minus 35 (to retain shape's original size)
Contrast = plus 90 (to smooth out the corners)
Step 3 |
Pros:Very fast method, and the one I use most often. Not that difficult to learn, understand and apply. And you always have a saved version of your finished shape - i.e. the source shape in the channels palette.
Cons: None really, it's fairly simple. And you don't really have to learn anything about using the Channels palette to apply this method.
T I P S
About the Brightness setting
A setting of minus 35 is needed in this method because Feathering our selection and using a high Contrast setting increased our shape's size.
Sizing Issues
If you go below minus 35 with the Brightness, your shape will become smaller than you intended it to be, and the corners will get tighter or smaller. If you set it at any positive value your shape's size will increase, and the corners will get bigger or rounder. Plus 70-75 is about the highest you can go and still maintain clean edges. In essence, this effect is similar to using the Minimum & Maximum filters. Try it!
Creating Complex Shapes
You can also combine more than one square or rectangle to create a larger, more complex shape. Simply create each individual shape in its own channel, then combine them all together to form the more complex shape; Ctrl-Click one of your shape channels, then hold both the Shift and Ctrl keys and click on the other channels that you've created. Once the separate shape selections are combined, create a new channel and fill the combined selections with white. If you wish, you can delete the separate shape channels and keep just your larger shape channel.
Ok that's method one. Let's move on to the 2nd method.
Copyright © Mark Anthony Larmand
