Preserved Topic: Beveling/Rounding Edges

I have a transparent gif image of which I would like to bevel the edges. The key is I want to bevel the IMAGE'S edges not the "background" edges - get what I mean, so far? The image is in the shape of a shield. How can I make this image appear to be 3D like a button? Any help would be great. Thanks!

Welcome box306.
Ok, If the image is is indexed color mode in Photoshop, you`ll need to Go>>Image>>Mode>>RGB Color
Next, Select the shield shape, if it`s not on it`s own layer, use the lasso, pen tool, whatever suits you. Once selected, type CTRL+C (to copy) then CTRL+V (to paste into a new layer). If it is on it`s own layer, ALT+Click the layer in the layers pallette.

Crete a new layer. Type M to make sure the Marquee tool is active, and with the arrow keys, nudge the selection up and left by the amount you wish, then CTRL+ALT+click the layer with the shape on it. Nudge the selection back into place, fill with white.

Repeat this in the opposite direction (down, right) and on a new layer, fill with black, adjust opacities, and play with layer modes until you like it. Also, blurring the white and black layers a few pixels will soften the edges.

Is that what you need?

Thanks, I'll try this and let you know...

Yup, what DB said.

These may help along the way as well:
http://www.gurusnetwork.com/tutorials/photoshop/replacebg.html
http://www.gurusnetwork.com/tutorials/photoshop/depth1.html
http://www.gurusnetwork.com/tutorials/photoshop/transparency_1.html

Thanks! Worked like a charm...appreciate the help! Keep it real!

db, DL, I extend my sincere applause to both of you. Has our recent RTFM frenzy generated a backlash of love and patience? This thread is what makes the Asylum rock.

You know, when I first came here, someone had a question on how to turn a photograph into high-contrast artwork... DarkGarden posted a mini-tutorial with step-by-step images and everything. I still have it saved, along with others from similar workalong sessions. Since then, every time someone goes the extra mile, or even the extra few inches, it warms my heart.

Okay, more coffee for PT.

Couldn't agree with you more PT. I remeber Weedah did a tutorial on how to colorize a black and white photo. I was fantastic. It is in the FAQ if you wanna have a looksie.

I also remember when DG did his eye tut and all the ones by mahjqa. Great stuff!

So box306, you're in Clemmons? That wouldn't happen to be the Clemmons near Winston-Salem would it?

Later,
C:\


~Binary is best~

quote:

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Has our recent RTFM frenzy generated a backlash of love and patience?

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<soapbox>I think that's a bit condemnatious. It's the people that write the RTFM questions, IMO, that cause most people NOT to go the extra mile. This wasn't an RTFM question, this was an honest new user trying to apply a technique that wouldn't have been listed in the documentation. Granted it could have been searched on, but sometimes (and judging from the faltering terminology, this is one of those times) it's hard to know what questions to ask. I'm not trying to pick a fight with anyone here, I just wish more people would realize the difference in attitude in the types of questions so that we CAN have productive and exciting forum posts. It's great when someone asks a provocative question and everyone comes together to figure out the answer and provide a resource for learning.</soapbox>

$0.02


It's only after we've lost everything...
That we're free to do anything...

Yup, what ^^^he^^^ said.

While the sentiment expressed by PT and C:\ is nice, and I agree with that, Mindbender's point is one that *must* be addressed.

=)

I'm more than happy to help someone when possible, to whatever extent I can. However, when someone makes it apparent from the start that they aren't interested in puttin gin any effort themselves....well.....screw 'em.

=)

So in the many cases like this question, plenty of helpful answers are forthcoming.

Hmm... okay, you're right. And actually, I guess RTFM wasn't the word I was looking for, I was expecting more of a brusque FAQ or GN link. (That's what I would have posted, in fact.) In fact, DL, it was your GN "adding depth" tutorial that weaned me away from Layer Styles and introduced me to the wonderful world of Having Actual Control Over Your Goods. I've probably thanked you for that before, but here's another.

that's always good to hear

I enjoy being of help in weaning people off of canned effects. =)

Preferably the nice way. The less-nice way if needed

{edit - and for what it's worth, Doc and DarkGarden are the one's mainly responsible for me learning the better way to do such things}



[This message has been edited by DL-44 (edited 11-27-2002).]

yeah, I just wanted to step in and say that I was not bashing on anyone. Esp. DL. His tutorial on the "Sky Taffy" ?? was the very first tutorial that I tried. I still use a lot of those techniques today. Good stuff.

Now, when someone comes in and says "How do I use the pen tool" or something then yes, that gets a big RTFM. I just love how people here are really willing to help with serious questions. That's what makes this place so great. The knowledge and the people will to help with good questions.

Thats all

Later,
C:\


~Binary is best~