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I'd like to make some buttons...


B

Bubble

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Hi all... I have been searching the net for ages, and playing in PS to no avail, and was wondering if someone could help me.

I want to create buttons that look like the plasticy/chromey ones, you know, the switch on button on the comp (well on the nice flashy ones anyway). I've been playing around with plastic tutes, but can't seem to get a chrome look to the plastic, and I can't find any metal button tutes to play with...

Does anyone know of any links or anything that might help me? ;\
 
God yes, and with the same effect on the outside too for a bit, like an edging...

now comes the bit i dread... please mark... give me some hints before you make me endure the same process as sToRm... [sleepy]
 
hahahaa naaa... this is too simple an effect to even bother with torture. :bustagut:

Although... [sly]

I've re-attached a new version, with a bit more detail added.

The general effect works over a Radial gradient sphere. That sphere is then effected by applying a simple "Curve" to it. (see curve filter sample below)

If you take a good look at the actual button part, you'll see that it's just a basic reflection photo (of anything!) that's been spherized a couple times.

Like this...
Shrink down the photo to match the size of your sphere, then Ctrl-click the sphere layer to select the sphere. While on the photo layer, apply the Spherize filter a couple times.
Then Inverse the selection and Delete.
And Deselect.

Then to add more depth to the look, select the sphere and on a new layer, above the photo layer, stroke the selection 3 pixels on the Inside, with black. Then apply a 2 px gBlur to the stroke. Then Deselect.

Ctrl-click this blurred stroke now and click on the spherized photo layer to activate it. Press Ctrl+J. This copies a thin outline of just the outer edge of the photo. Set this copied layer to Difference blend mode. Move it to the top of the palette. Ctrl-click the sphere to create a selection. Apply the TWIRL filter at about 150-250% clockwise. (slider to the right)

The collar type effect around the button is very easy. Just apply a Bevel & Emboss to the sphere layer, and for the bevel use "Outer Bevel" w/"Rolling Slope" Gloss Contour. Then for the "Contour" setting use the "Ring" Contour.
Set the highlight and shadow colours to white and black, both using Normal blend mode. And jack up the Opacity setting for both.

See how you do with this now Bubble.
Post your results. :B
 
will do, fantastic mark... thanks - I'm gonna have a go at it tonite ;)

Seems simple to me now, but we'll see :D
 
Ok Mark... I gave it a try, but i don't think its quite there... I'm not happy with the jaggies around the edge, but I just can't get rid of them [confused]

The font isn't really what I want... just wanted to put something on it. I'd prefer a kinda thin, fine font, that will look pressed onto the metal, but all my thin fonts end up looking jagged to me...

Will keep trying at it to see if it improves, just wanted to let you see how I was going ;\
 
k, been trying, but still can't get the thin font thing going (need tearing hear out emoticon!!)

here is an update before bed, bit shinier, but maybe not flat enough *shrug*
 
Bubble, seeing Mark is letting you off with the torture, this time. :bustagut:

Try playing around with a Curves Adjustment layer to bring up the 'chromed' look.

You can mask out the button edge and text if you want.

Here's a quick setting to get you started. ;)

Al.
 
Thanks Rantin, that's great... I was just too tired last night to fiddle anymore ;)
 
Take a few more runs at it Bubble. See what you can do different. I like your second effort. Has more of a rounded look to it.

Nice addition Rantin. :righton:
 
Well... I tried it as round, cause that's the shape those on/off things are... this is my latest play, still not on the ball, but i just don't seem to get to sit at it in one hit for long enough :{

With this, it wouldn't have words, it would have a symbol instead... and you have no idea how much getting this look to work is driving me nuts!! They better appreciate it!

I've stared at it so much lately that I can't see the minor changes i make to it anymore [confused]
 
Huh? why do I always need to go to the hell and back if I asked something to you Mark maybe I don't have so sweet looking eyes as bubble??? [doh]


:bustagut:

great button and explanation Mark!

regards
s![/b]
 
Storm, The guy's got to have some fun sometime. :bustagut: ;)

Bubble, That's excellent. :righton:

Try moving the 'horizon' of the image up or down before you spherize. If you move it up a bit it should give some more reflection area and lessen the expanded white area.

Al.
 
I think so AL 8}

great work bubble :righton:
 
[saywhat] Yeah, I agree with stOrM! (this coming from somebody who has been there, too!)

Why aren't you torturing Bubble Mark???? [confused] [doh]

Hmmm..... :\ :\ :\

Mark, excellent guidance (lack of torture) and great results Bubble! :} :} :}
 
Mark: Because Bubble DOES have nicer eyes
Click to expand...

Bubble definitely has to be "Teacher's Pet"! :P :P :P :bustagut: :bustagut: :bustagut:
 


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