A lengthy description of this tool’s various implementations can be found in our relevant chapter of the digital epigraphy Manual.Ī Photoshop vector path and its main elements To help the studio process, using Photoshop’s vector paths in digital inking is one of the backbones of the Survey’s epigraphic process.

While fieldwork is all about searching for the correct line placement and finding the closest semblance with the original artwork on the wall, studio work is intended to provide the best possible quality output of this initial pencilwork. Although there are occasions when working on final layers using the desktop version of Photoshop at the monument can be rewarding, there are fundamental differences between the nature of drawing in the studio versus drawing in the field. Nonetheless, it is important to point out that fiddling with such a complicated tool as the Pen tool doesn’t belong to fieldwork. In this regard digital EPIGRAPHY has already promoted the usefulness of Photoshop’s paths in many of our previous entries. Although we advise against trusting a computer to create the final inked lines for us, we don’t oppose implementing artificial aids to complement free-hand inking whenever necessary. One of the most comfortable solutions to avoid the problems free-hand drawing might propose to line quality is turning towards a vector-based environment. However, when it comes to presenting close-ups of decorative areas, being able to control our digital brush strokes becomes indispensable. For example, if a drawing is intended to be distributed in relatively small size serving as a wall map, one might get away with less precise line placement and lesser line quality. Obviously, ink line quality can be altered by several aspects as is often dictated by the publisher’s requirements. One of the most understated requirements of digital inking is the ability to be in full control of line placement and line quality. Laying down a path for a brush stroke in Photoshop using the Curvature Pen tool

Studio one keyboard shortcuts