Tips for drawing vector-path graphics to align pixels to the grid

Article Description: Photoshop CS6 Beta version (hereinafter referred to as PS CS6) released the public test, has a number of stunning new features, work all day and pixel deal with the deep feeling of the feature is PS CS6 support vector object drawing, transform pixel automatically aligned to the grid grid.

March, Photoshop CS6 beta version (hereinafter referred to as PS CS6) released the public test, has a number of stunning new features, work all day and pixel deal with the deep feeling of the feature is PS CS6 support vector object drawing, transform pixel automatically aligned to the grid.

Of course, when objects are drawn and transformed, the pixel alignment grid is not a unique feature of PS CS6, just more intelligent and better use, PS CS6 pixel automatic alignment grid function in the drawing process, undoubtedly convenient a lot, no longer worry about the edge of the graph will appear blurred, but we will find in the actual graphic design process, It is often necessary to adjust some of the translucent transition pixels that are not fully aligned to the grid. Used to smooth the edges of the graphic to reduce the sawtooth sensation, or to make the graph look fuller and more delicate, we call it a sub-pixel (or subpixel, and, generally, in the field of screen display technology), as shown in the following figure.

Figure 1-anti-aliasing sub-pixel

While the official version of PS CS6 is not universal, take PS CS5 as an example, and we discuss how to make the vector path graphics when the pixel alignment grid, how to use the path to adjust the pixel to improve the full degree of graphics experience, hope to have some inspiration and help.

pixel-aligned grid

1. pixel Snap To grid when object is drawn

The best thing about the pixel snapping grid is to avoid the virtual edges when drawing the graphic. Solve the problem of graphic ambiguity, especially the canvas magnification several times to pull the interface, icon details, precision can reach the pixel level, so that designers will focus more on the creative expression level, do not have to worry about vague and prudent to operate, thereby improving efficiency.

When the PS CS5 initial state, only when the canvas is in 100% proportions, that is, the actual pixel scale, the drawing will not blur, enlarge or reduce the canvas to other proportions, even if the grid to help, the drawing will be blurred, as shown in Figure 2, blue and purple graphics are 100% Without opening the grid under the canvas, and the same size rectangle that opens the grid under the 100% scale canvas, we can see clearly that the edges of the purple shape are very blurry.

Figure 2-aligning pixel graphics against misaligned pixel graphics

The grid does not work because when the initial state of PS CS5, the parameters of the grid are not in pixels, but in millimeters, as shown in Figure 3, the Preferences window can be opened by the Edit > Preferences > General or shortcut key Ctrl+k in the main menu.

Figure 3-Grid parameters in the initial state

Want to be in regular graphics (rectangles, rounded rectangles, circle) during the drawing process, make the pixels snap to the grid in any case, and in the PS CS5 Preferences window, simply set the grid parameters for the guides, grids, and slices tab and work with shortcut keys.

In Figure 3, you can see that the default value for the grid line spacing is 25 millimeters, change the unit to pixels, when the number in front of the unit will automatically change to 1, when the grid line is not aligned with the canvas's like pixel, you need to manually re-enter the value, and the grid line interval values and sub grid values must be equal, Figure 4 shows the 3,200% ratio , the results of two different numerical grids can be adjusted according to their preferences. The grid can be displayed or hidden through the main menu, View > Show > Grid, and the accelerator key is CTRL + ' (the quotation mark key to the left of the carriage return).

Figure 4-Effect of different grid parameters rendering

When you finish setting up, and finally make sure that the main menu > View > Align and align to > grid two options are checked, the Snap to > grid option is editable when you open the display grid.

Figure 5-alignment features and related options

Pixel-aligned grid setup completes, and later draws regular graphics in a non-100% view, as long as you turn on grid assistance, there is no ambiguity. There are some limitations in the CS5 of pixels in the PS-grid, constrained by the shape of the graphic, when you use the line tool, the Polygon tool, the custom shape tool to draw some shapes with slanted edges or non right angles, there is no guarantee that all corner points and edges are aligned to the grid, and of course the blur here is more anti-aliasing. You can use the grid to manually adjust.

2. pixel alignment grid when object transform

In PS CS5, when the width is odd or even, the 90° transformation can be aligned to the pixel, when the long width values are odd and even, and then clockwise or counterclockwise conversion will make the graph blurred, cannot be aligned to the pixel, you can rotate first, and then open the grid to assist, Do not exit the free transform mode, drag the object, the edge will be automatically adsorbed to the grid, the following figure:

Figure 6-Snap to grid when transforming graphics

Second , use the second pixel to make the graphics more full

For a small example, look at the role of the pixel in the graphic design, a good point.

In an interface design, you often draw triangular arrow shapes on controls such as Drop-down menus, the most common approach is to use the Pencil tool point pixel to draw, as shown in Figure 7-a, looks very clear, but in the smaller resolution screen, it will be slightly stiff, jagged, affecting the smoothness of the interface; Use the path to snap the grid to draw arrows, As shown in Figure 7-b, the sawtooth problem is resolved, but it appears that the volume sense is weakened and not plump enough; the effect shown in Figure 7-c is the effect of fine-tuning the pixel, eliminating the sawtooth and not losing the first scheme in volume sense.

Figure 7-arrows drawn in three different ways

Don't you see the difference? Let's compare the three scenarios together, see Figure 8, from left to right in Figure 7 in the A, B, C scheme, we see that the middle of the B scheme, although no sawtooth, but the volume is significantly smaller than a, C scheme, and C scheme at the same time with a zero-sawtooth, equal volume sense two advantages.

Figure 8-Dropdown arrow Effect contrast

By magnifying the picture we can see the difference in the second pixel, to achieve the solution C method is actually very simple, look at the image of the following magnification effect and path you will understand.

Figure 9-Using the path to improve the sub pixel

As long as the path anchor points on the corner are moved outward a bit separately, let the original color lighter pixel slightly deepen on it, when the operation, enlarge the canvas so that the adjustment is more subtle and accurate, select Anchor point, more than a few times keyboard key to move, this method is not limited to the arrow shape, You can open the pixel eye to find more application scenarios.

Summarize

Wordy so much, I hope that these small points can help and inspire everyone's work. We always want to do more with our existing resources, constantly exploring more possibilities in design, focusing on the design details, whether it's PS CS5 or upcoming CS6, each feature improvement is exciting, makes the operation more handy, and helps designers to focus on creative expression in smarter environments, Improve output efficiency, I believe that the Adobe CS6 design package in all respects will not disappoint, let us look forward to.