This article explains how to create curved lines with Photoshop on Windows or Mac systems. The easiest method to use is the default Pen tool, but you can also use a simplified version of the same tool and draw curved lines just by clicking on different points in the project.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use the Pen
Step 1. Open your Photoshop project
If you have not already done so, open the project in which you want to create the curved lines with a double click.
Step 2. Select the Pen tool
Select the icon that looks like the tip of a fountain pen. You will see it in the toolbar, on the left.
The Pen is not available in Photoshop Elements
Step 3. Position the mouse pointer
Before starting to draw, put the cursor on the point where you want to create the first stroke.
Step 4. Press and hold the point where you want to start the line
This will create the first anchor point.
Step 5. Drag the mouse in the direction of the arc that the line should have
This generates the curvature of the line. The point where you release the mouse will become the apex of the arc of the curve.
Step 6. Press and hold where you want to connect the line
This will create a line from the first anchor point to the second you just entered.
Step 7. Drag the mouse in the opposite direction to the curve
You will see it change as you drag the mouse pointer. Release the mouse button when the curve is the shape you want.
Step 8. Add more anchor points
You can add curves to the existing line by holding down the next point on the line, then dragging the mouse pointer to change the curvature of the new segment.
Try to end the line at the first anchor point to create a closed figure
Step 9. Click on the first anchor point
Once you have created the line you want, you can stop generating other curves by moving the mouse pointer to the starting point and clicking there when you see a small circle appear next to the cursor.
Step 10. Use the Direct Selection tool to edit points and curves
This tool's icon looks like a white arrow. Click on it in the toolbar and use the tool to edit the line with the following steps:
- Click on a line to view all the points that belong to it. You can drag one of the points to move it.
- When you click on a point using the Direct Selection tool, you will see two dotted lines at the ends that stretch in opposite directions. They are the indicators of curvature. Drag the points of these markers to change the curve.
Step 11. Add or delete anchor points
Once you have created a curve, you can modify the details by adding or deleting points within it. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Pen tool icon in the toolbar until a menu appears.
- Click on the Add Anchor Point tool, or on Delete Anchor Point in the newly appeared menu.
- Click on an anchor point with the Delete Anchor Point tool if you want to remove it.
- Click on a point on the line with the Add Anchor Point tool to add a new one.
Method 2 of 2: Use the Curvature Pen Tool
Step 1. Open your Photoshop project
If you have not already done so, open the project in which you want to create the curved lines with a double click.
Step 2. Press and hold the Pen tool
You can find it in the left toolbar. A menu will appear next to the fountain pen icon.
Step 3. Click on the Curvature Pen tool
You will see it in the Pen menu in the left toolbar.
The Curvature Pen tool is not available in Photoshop Elements or in older versions of Photoshop
Step 4. Click on the first point of the line
This creates the first anchor point.
Step 5. Click on the second point
You will create a straight line between the two anchor points.
Step 6. Click on a third point
This will create a curved line that runs through all three points.
The Curvature Pen tool allows you to draw a curve by simply clicking on several points in succession
Step 7. Add more points
You can continue adding points by clicking on the layer on which you want to create the line. The line will automatically curve to fit the points.
Step 8. Click on the starting anchor point
This completes the curve.
- Click on the line to create another anchor point.
- Drag an anchor point to change the shape of the curve.
- Click on an anchor point and press Delete to remove it.
