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[photoshop] Creating round gauge textures

Vitus

Vitus

Resource contributor
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Hi everybody,

again, I have a general question, this time concerning on creating gauge textures with Photoshop. I need a hint how to make round backgrounds. The problem are the "circle-arranged" lines like in this ASI from joaogodinho.

I tried to paint just one line, then clone it and after that, transform it to the correct angle, but it looks weird and unevenly aligned. There MUST be a trick, please tell me about it! :D

regards
Vitus
 
I'll share with you my convoluted method to create gauge and texture graphics. I'm sure there are easier ways to do this but here's what I do:

1) start with a vector drawing application capable of exporting Adobe Illustrator type path (.AI) or quality images using a layered RGB+alpha format (such as PSD). The idea is to start with drawing layout and shapes of the major pieces, such as needles, dials, enclosures. The vector graphics are well suited to create initial shapes, and you can also fill them with various gradients and apply basic effects such as emboss, glow, etc...

2) You then have a number of ways to proceed with your vector art: one is to save individual shapes as Adobe Illustrator path (.AI) file, that you can import as a path in Photoshop or other imaging app (the Gimp for example).

Another is to save the vector art as an image. You can then use this image as the basis of your fine tuning in your image editing application.

There are some applications that do both vector drawing and imaging, such as Paint Shop Pro. That tends to make life easier.

3) For a 3D look in 2D, you can also use a 3D application that can render the scene, save that as an image used for your 2D panel. Example: Blender or 3DSMax.


Hope this helps,

Etienne
 
Hi Etienne,

thanks for the quick answer! I have not thought of using vector graphics for this. I will test it at the evening, but I'm already sure it will work fine!

Greetings
Vitus
 
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