Clean Lines & the Pen Tool

[C9Mouse]

Well, I posted a tip, but now I'm going to ask for some help....

I'm redesigning my web site and after examining many web pages of other sites which I like I was trying to figure out how those Photoshop guys get those nice clean lines, even using the Pen Tool.

Every time I use the Pen Tool to draw something the lines are always anti-aliased or just too fuzzy for my liking.

I have tried for a while now to get the lines as crisp and clean as the others I have seen on countless web sites. but to no avail.

I understand that PS anti-aliases anything that's curved. I'm also wondering if perhaps it's the brush settings I use when stroking the path of the line.

What do y'all do when drawing with the Pen Tool? What settings do you use on the Brush? Do you stroke with the Brush? or some other Tool?

I appreciate all your input, and thanks ahead of time to all who answer  

P.S. -- I use Photoshop 6 and 7

-- C9

[Psmeg]

Hi C9Mouse,

If you want clean lines, have you tried creating your artwork at 200% and then reducing it to the size actually require?

In other words, if you want a 200x50 pixel image, create it at 400x100 then reduce it before saving/exporting. This can often create better end results.

However, you may find that a vector drawing package may offer better results for geometric shapes (including lines) and then import into PS to add any bitmap elements.

Just my 2p as it where.. :D

Regards

Psmeg

[C9Mouse]

Hmmm, ok........vector program. You mean like Illustrator? I have Illustrator 9. I'm not very good at transporting the image into Photoshop, though. Every time I do Photoshop raterizes the image. Is there a way around this?

As for reducing the image I've tried that also. Whenever I reduce something it always looks worse than before. I've tried Sharpening to redefine, but this is one of the reasons I asked this question. I thought perhaps someone could outline how they do it or direct me to a good tutorial on the subject.