Computer Graphics with Photoshop - How to precisely size and place a box exactly centered in a layer?

Author

How to precisely size and place a box exactly centered in a layer?

Dale Glaser

2004-06-05, 7:14 pm

I got interested a while back in what tools PS had for precisely
placing and positioning objects (groups of pixels or vector shapes).

I made up a summary on my web site for those interested at:
http://www.pacificsites.net/~dglase...DaleSum02P.html

But these are just the methods. I have an actual problem to solve and
I wondered what people thought would be the best way to do it.

I am designing a CD cover. The company which will print the cover
specifies a buffer zone around the edges to not spill text or
important art into. I want to create an overlaying layer with a 1
pixel box showing this buffer zone. The CD cover is 1490 x 1490
pixels. The buffer box would be 1370 x 1370 pixels precisely centered
over the cover art.

How to make this box?

Yes, I could just use guides to show the buffer area but they aren't
permanent.

But at this point the only way I can see to create this box is to
start with guides and then use it to create a selection or shape.

Is there a quicker way without using guides???

Dale

jjs

2004-06-05, 7:14 pm

In article <fc28eca0.0406050930.7381b165@posting.google.com>,
dglaser@pacific.net (Dale Glaser) wrote:

> How to make this box?
>
> Yes, I could just use guides to show the buffer area but they aren't
> permanent.
>
> But at this point the only way I can see to create this box is to
> start with guides and then use it to create a selection or shape.
>
> Is there a quicker way without using guides???

Yes, but it's more trouble. Here, if I may, one last look at guides and a
way to automate this whole thing: Set two new guides (one vert, one
horiz) and type in "50%" for placement. When you draw your shape, set the
exact measurements, check 'snap' and 'draw from center', click on the
crosshair and be done. You can action this to obviate guides and all the
rest of the setps for subsequent applications. Bingo, push button.

Tom

2004-06-05, 7:14 pm

"jjs" <john@xyzzy.stafford.net> wrote in message
news:john-0506041256510001@m-0-135.docsis.hbci.com...
> In article <fc28eca0.0406050930.7381b165@posting.google.com>,
> dglaser@pacific.net (Dale Glaser) wrote:
>
>
> Yes, but it's more trouble. Here, if I may, one last look at guides and a
> way to automate this whole thing: Set two new guides (one vert, one
> horiz) and type in "50%" for placement. When you draw your shape, set the
> exact measurements, check 'snap' and 'draw from center', click on the
> crosshair and be done. You can action this to obviate guides and all the
> rest of the setps for subsequent applications. Bingo, push button.

I'm not the original poster, but had a similar task. This helps greatly as
I had overlooked the fact the snap tool would work from the center.

Thanks for the tip.

Tom

Martin

2004-06-05, 7:14 pm

In article <fc28eca0.0406050930.7381b165@posting.google.com>,
dglaser@pacific.net (Dale Glaser) wrote:

> But at this point the only way I can see to create this box is to
> start with guides and then use it to create a selection or shape.
>
> Is there a quicker way without using guides???

If you're using a Mac you can do it with this AppleScript:

http://prometheus.idea-digital.com/...topic.php?t=247

No need for guides or making a selection by hand - just enter the border
width in pixels (and amend the document size to whatever you want).

Regards

--
Martin