Symmetry and merging vectors in PS CS2

The more i digg into PS the more things i need to learn. At the moment there are two huge holes in my head when it comes to PS.

Symmetry and merging vectors.

I know i can achieve perfect symmetry by creating one side of the image, then duplicating it and flipping but that leaves me with 2 separate objects i want to merge into one vector object and at the moment i can't find a way to do it. Having 2 vectors is a PIA and i don't think at this level i can deal with it.

I tried using guidelines but they become useless when i have more than one layer and since i tweak things all the time it's a bit tiring to constantly add/remove guidelines.

So what do you suggest for having perfectly symmetrical images and is there any way to merge 2 paths/vector objects into one (thus getting that perfect symmetry i need)?

Thanks in advance.

#359442

I'm not positive about merging paths but try this. Ctrl click the layers you want to merge then right click on one of them and choose merge layers.

If it doesn't work at least we know that wasn't it.

EDIT:There is another option here ... Select one of the two layers you are working with. Choose the marquee tool and right click on the canvas, choose make selection. This should select the path and at the same time make the path disappear. Now select the second layer, select the pen tool, right click on the canvas and select make work path or make path. I'm not sure of the text because I do not have PS open at the moment. I also do not know if this will make the original path disappear. Just give it a shot and see if it works.

#359465

Thanks i tried to follow but i'm not sure i understood well

Feel free to IM me when you're online.

AIM - lomilialor

Thanks smoovie

#359562

Well, I don't use an IM so I can't help that way. I can't really describe how to do this any other way, sorry.

Are you just useing the paths or fill paths (just the lines or filled objects)? If you fill the lines with a solid color and merge the layers you should be able to select the symetric object (I believe by ctrl clicking the image in the layers pallet) then choose the pen tool, right click the image, then choose make work path.

I hope one of these methods works for you. Alot of this is just trial and error. Believe me ... ALOT of error hahaha. Anyway, good luck.

#359769

I personally would suggest creating the vector side of things in Illustrator and importing the vector path into PShop

#359776

Thanks for trying to hel t3h **** guys.

I guess i just need more practice.

@ Tricky - Illustrator for some reason scares the **** out of me. I think i'll get comfy with PS first and then move to Illustrator

#359785

@ Tricky - Illustrator for some reason scares the **** out of me. I think i'll get comfy with PS first and then move to Illustrator

I think I'm having a deja vu "

#359819

Sorry if I'm mistaken Unbe, but do you mean to merge two paths together? If so, try this:

1. Create a path (shape layer) as usual using Pen Tool (P) or any of the shape tools (U)

2. After that, click "Add to shape area" on the top toolbar.

3. Select your Path Selection tool (Black arrow), (A)

4. Select your previous path to make it active, Copy paste like usual, and flip it.

5. Now you have two paths on the same layer, you can combine them by Ctrl+clicking those paths and click Combine on the top toolbar.

Tip: Use Path Selection tool to select paths, use direct selection tool to select path points.

Hope this helps! if not maybe you have Gtalk?

#361783