Introduction of PS CS6 stroke function

Translator Note: This article mainly explores the similarities and differences between the enhanced shape stroke features and traditional layer style strokes in Photoshop CS6. By contrast we can see the difference more clearly, more importantly, deepen our understanding of the tools, we can better play creativity and improve efficiency.

Original address: http://bjango.com/articles/photoshopcs6strokes/

This article in the translation time in order to conform to the Chinese reading habit, has the few places to revise slightly. I admired the big designer Marc Edwardshttp://dribbble.com/bjango, who was amazed by his professionalism and his spirit in the process of talking to him about Twitter, and will share more of his articles with you later.

In PS CS6, there are two ways to give a shape layer a stroke effect-by adding a layer style, which is an ancient feature since the PS 6.0 era, not the current CS6 (CS6 version number is 13), or the new Shape tool option. At first glance, the two are similar, but careful study reveals that they are significantly different.

Higher stroke quality

When you use a layer style to make a stroke effect, if a large number is used, the stroke tends to become a segment curve (except for the inner stroke). However, by using vector strokes we can get the perfect result. I guess that's because the vector stroke is from the original vector shape layer data, and the stroke of the layer style is a bitmap mask for that shape. The two are completely different techniques, so we can figure it out.

So, when the stroke value is smaller, does it make a difference? Practice shows that the difference is subtle at this time. (like the following GIF icon)

(Translator: Low-value strokes can be used for precise fillet making)

Also, the value of a vector stroke can be an integer, so you can use a 0.5px stroke in a non-retinal output device's rendering file, which can then be used to accurately magnify the retina output to 1px. Layer style stroke values can only be integers, so rounding errors may occur when you change the file size.

Better Mask Feather (mask feathering behaviour) performance

When a shape uses the Mask feather feature, the stroke of the shape also has a blur effect, but the stroke effect of the layer style is not blurred (translator note: After the test found that the shape of the external stroke will be enlarged deformation, internal strokes will blur, the fill will be reduced deformation). This is not good or bad, can achieve different effects.

Better Corner-point functionality

Depending on how PS works, layer style strokes are rounded or rounded (except for internal strokes). But a shape stroke can be rounded, beveled, or angled (the following order is changed here, and the following figure corresponds in turn). cant I use very little, but the diagonal is still very good function! (Translator Note: We can use the internal stroke, but the padding size will decrease).

Larger stroke values

The maximum of the layer style stroke value can be set to 250px, and the maximum shape stroke can be set to 288px, narrowly edged. You can even apply a stroke to the shape, and then enlarge the image size to magnify the vector stroke (maximum 1600px or higher). (Translator note: The preference with stroke function friends can give the shape of a separate group, and then to the group strokes, not 500px, not enough we add!)

Stroke of an open path

In addition to a variety of path-corner effects, shape strokes also support open path strokes, and strokes in a layer style are not possible with a toe. If you use a layer style on an open path, we get a closed stroke.

Magical imaginary line-drawing edge

A vector stroke can be a dashed line, and it can be used in conjunction with the shape's mask feather feature. We can also use gradient strokes, and strokes can use transparent effects, which is fantastic!

Burst-like strokes

In this way, we all seem to hesitate to use shape strokes in PS cs6, but layer style strokes are not mouths--here you have to mention an extremely covert killer feature of layer strokes--burst strokes (Shape burst gradient stroke). (Translator Note: I recommend that you take a look at this video: http://my.tv.sohu.com/u/vw/23174028 learning this killer skill, which most pser don't understand, thanks to the flying Fish sonar http://startwmlife.com/) With this feature we can easily make the following image effects

The gradient effect of a burst gradient stroke can be distributed along the path, specifically for such complex effects!

Stroke transparency

Layer style strokes can add their own transparency to the stroke color, and shape strokes can only be done by modifying the opaque values on both sides of the gradient stroke.

Translator's slot: layer style strokes can use layer blending mode, and if it is a gradient stroke, you can also use a copy color. In addition, the shape of the stroke in the upper left corner, personal feeling that the area a bit far ...

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