Preserved Topic: really basic question:

how do I create a rounded rectangle?

One of the most often asked questions. Use your rectangular marquee tool to make the rectangle, then go to "Select >> Modify >> Smooth" and enter a number between 1 and 16 -- 1 being the least amount of curve and 16 being the most curve.
That's the easiest way, although many people use a more complex method using channels and blurs and the "levels" settings. You can worry about that later though <img border=0 align=absmiddle src="http://www.ozones.com/forum/smile.gif">

The way I always do it is a little more confusing.....but I go to the Channels Tab and then creat a square selection with the selection tool and then fill with white. I deslect it and then blur it anywhere from 5 to 30 and then go to select Image, Adjust, Brightness Contrast. Set the Contrast to 98 and then play with the brightness till its the size you want.

I know this is harder....but its another way to do it.

-- CarltonCig --

Photoshop 6 has a feather option on the marquee option toolbar at the top. So it makes it easy, just select rectangular marquee, and feather about 20, then make the rectangle, and its rounded on the corners!

At least... thats what I've heard *wink* *wink*

- Dan -

Cut it out with PS 6!!

The feather options is available (in the Options palette) to us mortals with 5.5

Not to mention 5, 4, 3...

Carlton: I find Levels the tool I each for to tighten up a blurred shape. Just another option...

I usually just create rounded rectangles in Illustrator, then Place them in Photoshop.

I use the channels/levels trick when I want to round a more complex shape, sometimes. I make most complex shapes in Illustrator, though.

Sorry Steve =[

- Dan -

I make a rectangular selection, then go to quick mask, gaussian blur it, then adjust the levels.. setting the low end to 112 and the high end to 144.. then turn off quickmask and you've got a round cornered selection you can fill or delete or whatever.

I advice against using the "Smooth" option, it gives the smoothed corners a pixely look. try mastering the feather + contrast method, or use guides to cut and connect circles.

Never Pet a Burning Dog
Rend

Yes, the channels/levels method is superior, but for someone just starting to use the program, smooth works fine <img border=0 align=absmiddle src="http://www.ozones.com/forum/smile.gif"> I still use it for simple shapes personally -- I only seem to have problems with pixeled edges with more complex things.

Hey Dan -- using the feather option is part of the step, but then you still have to go back and adjust the levels afterward.



[This message has been edited by DL-44 (edited 27-07-2000).]

wow...thanks guys.