Applying layer effects to pen drawn shapes?

OK I just can't do this. It's really wrecking my head and it is probably something really really simple.

Let's start with a blank canvas. I draw a straight line down one side of my image using the pen tool (not freeform). It creates the line. I Ctrl/Click away from it to complete the path.

Now I want to add some layer effects to this pen line and nothing happens ................ Can anyone shed any light on why this might be happening? Thanks

this is happening because that line is actually a vector mask. you need to rasterize it, but i honestly don't know why you are using the pen tool just to draw a line and then add a layer style. seems to me it would be easier and a lot less heartache using another method, but that's just my opinion.

HTH

Well, it sounds like from your description that you simply drew a path line, but didn't stroke the path?

You will need to stroke the path line to create a bitmap shape (line in this case), then you can apply your layer effects to that.

Look in the path palette at the bottom.

Once you have your path, choose the paintbrush tool, pick a brush size, pick a color and click on the 2nd icon in the bottom of the path palette (it's Stroke Path With Brush).

Is that what you're trying to do?

John
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The Lyzrd's Stomp
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Hi John

That sounds like it could be the answer - but to clarify I am trying to follow a tutorial ona german site to get an effect. Here is a link and you can advise me further on the technique? Or alternatively point me to an english mirror - lol:

http://www.ulf-theis.de/tutorials/photoshop/interfaces/tut_smooth_interface_shapes.php

Cheers for the help though

In Step 4 has the path been stroked?

Also if I draw a straight line - then select the brush, stroke path is greyed out?

Ah! Well, then, take a look at my tutorial (no, I didn't invent the technique-I learned it about 4 years ago from someone else) to do the rounded corner effect (in english

http://www.lyzrd.com/rounded/

It's a lot easier than using the pen tool (you just use the rectangular marquee tool) and you can do really complex stuff!

Only thing that is NOT in the tutorial is what to do with the Channel you have when you're done (must fix that!). You COMMAND-CLICK the channel (PC: CONTROL-CLICK) to get a selection, create a new layer, and fill the layer with whatever color or effect that you want.

John
Admin
The Lyzrd's Stomp
(Photoshop Tutorials and More)
http://www.lyzrd.com/publish/

You'll have to choose the 2nd icon in the Pen tool's option bar at the top of the screen-the Paths icon (instead of the default Shape icon).Plus, make sure you're trying to stroke the path on a New Layer.

But read my other reply above-I misread your request and thought you just wanted an outline. That tutorial you mentioned shows a filled shape... The tutorial above does that.

John
Admin
The Lyzrd's Stomp
(Photoshop Tutorials and More)
http://www.lyzrd.com/publish/

Here's some samples of interfaces I did with the tutorial I wrote-

http://homepage.mac.com/johnselvia/...interface1a.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/johnselvia/...alinterface.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/johnselvia/...selvisiface.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/johnselvia/...cklitpanel5.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/johnselvia/...elinterface.jpg

Basically, everywhere you see a rounded corner in these images, I used the technique mentioned above. If I had used the pen tool to do these, it would've taken FOREVER!

Take care.
John
Admin
The Lyzrd's Stomp
(Photoshop Tutorials and More)
http://www.lyzrd.com/publish/