The Pen Tool is the most obvious choice when it comes to drawing curved lines in Photoshop. However, for those who want more precision in their drawing, you can also use the Bend Pen Tool. With it, you can draw simply by clicking on the desired points on the canvas. So whether you're a Windows or Mac OS user, get ready to start learning both methods now.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using the Pen Tool
Step 1. Open the Photoshop file in which you want to draw a curved line
To open it, just find it and double click on it. If you prefer, create a new project from scratch (menu File -> New…).
Step 2. Get the Pen Tool
The icon is found in the Toolbox on the left of the screen. Look for the Pen Tool icon, which represents a fountain pen.
This Tool does not exist in Photoshop Elements
Step 3. Position the cursor
Leave it exactly where the drawing will begin.
Step 4. Click and hold
This will create the line's first anchor point.
Step 5. Drag the mouse in the direction you want the line to curve
The apex of the curve will correspond to the point where the mouse is released. Photoshop will record the angulation data immediately.
Step 6. Click and hold at the point where you want the curved line to end
The connection between the two points will take place automatically. Note that the chosen angle will also be applied.
Step 7. Drag the mouse in the opposite direction of the curve
Use this technique to fine-tune the angulation until the curve is as expected.
Step 8. Add more anchor points to the same line
To do this, choose another point on the line, click on it, hold it and drag to determine the angle of the new curve.
Try to end the line where it started by clicking the start point and closing the section. The result will be a geometric shape
Step 9. Select the initial anchor point
To prevent the Pen Tool from continuing to create points whenever you click on the canvas, hover over the starting point and wait for a hollow circle to appear. Then click.
Step 10. Adjust points and curves with the Direct Selection Tool
Look for the white arrow icon inside the Toolbox. Take the Tool and use it to adjust the line, the process is simple.
- By clicking on the line, all points will be highlighted. Choose a point, click on it and drag it.
- Note that when a point is selected, two dotted lines that extend in opposite directions appear. They are called Bezier Levers. Use the large dots on each Lever to adjust the angulation of the curve.
Step 11. Add or remove anchor points
To further detail the design, add or remove anchor points from the curved lines. The process for adding or removing points is simple.
- Click on the Pen Tool icon in the Toolbox and hold until a menu appears.
- Choose the Add Anchor Point Tool option or the Delete Anchor Point Tool option.
- To remove a point, click on it with the Delete Anchor Point Tool.
- To add a point, click on a free area with the Add Anchor Point Tool.
Method 2 of 2: Using the Bend Pen Tool
Step 1. Open the Photoshop file in which you want to draw a curved line
To open it, just find it and double click on it. If you prefer, create a new project from scratch (menu File -> New…).
Step 2. Click on the Pen Tool icon located in the Toolbox on the left of the screen
Hold until a menu appears right next to the icon.
Step 3. Choose Bend Pen Tool option
This is the third option on the menu.
Unfortunately, this tool doesn't exist in Photoshop Elements or in older versions of Photoshop itself
Step 4. Create the first point of the line
Just click anywhere on the canvas.
Step 5. Click to create the second point
Note that a straight line connecting the two points automatically appears.
Step 6. Make a third point
With that, a curved line will appear running through the three points.
The purpose of the Bend Pen Tool is to create curves by selecting different points on the canvas
Step 7. Add more points
Go by clicking everywhere on the canvas you want the line to pass. It will automatically bend as it follows the route.
Step 8. Select the initial anchor point
This will close the line, creating a geometric shape.
- Single click to create one more anchor point.
- Click and hold on any anchor point to adjust the curvature of the line.
- Select a point and press Delete to remove it.
Tips
- It is also possible to use the Tool Freeform pen, which allows you to draw curved lines freehand, as if you were drawing in your notebook. However, don't expect to achieve the same level of accuracy as the other two types of Pen.
Notices
- It is possible to revert a point to its original condition if it has bent too far or the wrong way. Just press Ctrl+Z (on Windows) or ⌘ Command+Z (on Mac OS) simultaneously. If you prefer to go back in time even further, open the menu Window and choose the option Historic.