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how to draw an arc shape?


jist

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I am loosing my mind a bit, not succeeding in figuring out this seemingly simple challenge myself.

I want to draw an arc.
What I would like is the green parts from the screenshot. (but then of course a perfect curve)
It would probably have to be some sort of shape, since I would like to change the thickness, and roundness of the ends of the arc.

(Hopefully there is a solution without using the 'pen' tool, since that one usually manages to drive me completely crazy)
 

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Rich54

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You could use the Elliptical Marquee tool to create a selection of an ellipse or circle, apply a stroke to it of any thickness you like, and then erase the portions of the stroke that fall outside of your desired arc. However, you say that you also want to control the roundness of the ends of the arc, so you would have to do some fairly precise erasing to get a satisfactory result. I think you need to invest some time in learning the Pen Tool. It's exactly the tool for what you are trying to accomplish. (For what it's worth, the Pen Tool is my personal favorite. Once you figure it out it becomes invaluable.)
 

IamSam

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You can use the Ellipse Tool (different from the Elliptical Marquis Tool)

Set to shape.
Turn off the fill.
Turn on the stroke.
Set the color.
Set the width of the stroke.
Screen Shot 2016-01-24 at 3.15.17 PM.png

Pull the arch.
Screen Shot 2016-01-24 at 3.15.31 PM.png
 

jist

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(For what it's worth, the Pen Tool is my personal favorite. Once you figure it out it becomes invaluable.)

I was afraid of that ;-)
But you are probably right, and it might be a good idea for me to set my reluctance to the pen tool aside, and see if I can get to master it a bit.
 

gedstar

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Just to follow on from what Sam said

To create an arc all I done was add a new layer, make a selection of half of the circle with the Rectangle Marquee Tool and fill the selection with white

Untitled.jpg

Untitled1.jpg
 
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IamSam

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thnx IamSam, but that's for making a full circle. I want arcs.

A circle contains an arc. Your question was how could you create an arc without the Pen Tool.

If your looking to create a congruent arc you can use circles. You will have to remove the parts of the circle you don't need. I apologize for not explaining that further, I just assumed you already understood this.

Of course my best advice would be to learn to use the Pen Tool, it's the most valuable tool in Photoshop.

Video Tutorials on the Pen Tool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FvnxmwHVpM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WJj6iNr6K0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9vUqFSH1lc#t=17



Written Tutorials on the Pen Tool:

http://psd.fanextra.com/tutorials/become-a-master-of-the-pen-tool-in-under-30-minutes/

http://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/custom-shapes/

http://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/photoshops-pen-tool-the-comprehensive-guide--psd-718

http://helpx.adobe.com/en/photoshop/using/drawing-pen-tools.html
 

hawkeye

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Use the pen tool. Click twice to create a straight line, then add a point in the middle of the line. Drag the middle point and you have an arc that you can adjust and stroke.
 

jist

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Thank you all guys!
You convinced me. I'll wait for when I am in a patient and tranquil mood, and then try to master the pen tool.

Thanks IamSam for the links. (Yes, I understood that I could erase parts of a circle, but the first reply from Rich54 explains why that wasn't a preferred method by me)
 

IamSam

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(Yes, I understood that I could erase parts of a circle, but the first reply from Rich54 explains why that wasn't a preferred method by me)
Again, I apologize. But Rich54 explains the drawbacks of erasing, but you did not post that it wasn't a preferred method for you until just now. You did not explain that in your post (#4), you simply stated that my suggestions was for making a full circle and I was only going on the information I had up to that point.

That being said, I understand the point your making.
 

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