[FAQ] Tools of the Trade

[Pokemon Trainer Sarah]

Ooooh, you mean like a tool to smooth out lines? Mmm, nope. Unfortunately Photoshop doesn't have anything like that, since it's primarily a painting/editing software. The Smooth Tool is exclusive to Illustrator (and there's a similar tool in Paint Tool SAI). So yeah, if you want SUPER smooth lineart it's best to use the Pen Tool. But that doesn't mean you can't get smooth lines in Photoshop with a tablet! It just takes a bit of practice. I tend to use a lot of shorter strokes myself, over longer ones, and then erase the parts I don't need.

The best advice I can offer you for lineart is that you want to use a hard, round brush with pressure sensitivity and/or transfer turned on. If you're a little shaky, maybe try zooming out and making longer strokes. Also rotate the canvas to get the best angle! Pen pressure can be emulated with the Pen Tool by using "Simulate Pressure" when you go to stroke the path. Sorry I can't help more, Sarah. D:

Thanks Gem! That's good advice! :) Annoying that Photoshop doesn't have a smoothing tool, but I can understand why. xD

[Chibi Altaria]

Thanks Gem! That's good advice! :) Annoying that Photoshop doesn't have a smoothing tool, but I can understand why. xD

I really, really want one, though. xD You're welcome!

[Chakramaster]

I really, really want one, though. xD You're welcome!

It would be nice if PS were more simple to use, but not everything super awesome is gonna be simple huh? Thanks for the tips so far, Gemma! It'll be nice to come back here after I get Photoshop and see all the tips to go by for creating something! :p