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Kar209
Known Participant
September 15, 2014
Answered

How to make a jagged and/or torn edge effect...?

  • September 15, 2014
  • 3 replies
  • 31892 views

Hey there...


I have been looking through the manual, searching Google for tuts/info and reading the manuals for Ps & Illy till my face turned blue ... about how to go about the following ... and i would sure appreciate your help...


I'd like to make a website header for a project of mine where just the bottom edge of the large rectangle shape would have either a torn paper or jagged appearance.


I've tried the filters but they cause all sides of the shape to be affected. And so I then tried a clipping mask but thus far i have only been able to accomplish what i am looking to do in the exact opposite way of what i want.


I have tried subtract front shape, i have tried to rotate things... pretty much everything this dyslexic newbie can muster up. i have been at it all day and so i'm feeling quite fruster'rated.

So, if you can picture what i am trying to draw out in words for ya, i sure would appreciate any and all input you may have for me.


Thank you in advance for your time!!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Jacob Bugge

Kara,

You may see whether you can get close enough with this:

1) Cut the rectangle at the lower corners with the Scissors Tool;

2) With the bottom side path selected, Effect>Distort & Transform>Roughen with Smooth Points and trying out the other vaues to get the desired look if possible;

3) Object>Expand Appearance, Ungroup and delete the unwanted nostroke/nofill path;

4) Join the paths into one.

Save for Web as PNG24 (or GIF if you must) to have the transparency (and crispness).

3 replies

Participating Frequently
September 24, 2014

Inkscape has a (vector) torn edges effect, and for a bitmap effect, try (as a plugin) AlienSkin "Burnt edges" if you can find it.

Jacob Bugge
Community Expert
Jacob BuggeCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
September 15, 2014

Kara,

You may see whether you can get close enough with this:

1) Cut the rectangle at the lower corners with the Scissors Tool;

2) With the bottom side path selected, Effect>Distort & Transform>Roughen with Smooth Points and trying out the other vaues to get the desired look if possible;

3) Object>Expand Appearance, Ungroup and delete the unwanted nostroke/nofill path;

4) Join the paths into one.

Save for Web as PNG24 (or GIF if you must) to have the transparency (and crispness).

Kar209
Kar209Author
Known Participant
September 16, 2014

hey jacob,

thank you so much!! i'll give that a go and let ya know how it works for me.

definitely not looking for my cat to pee on paper ...

Mylenium
Legend
September 15, 2014

Find a piece of paper, tear it, char it a bit with a lighter, soak it in coffee or tea, crinkle it up, have your cat pee on it - whatever it takes  - and scan it. Seriously, trying to do such a simple and obvious thing digitally is completely loco...

Mylenium

Kar209
Kar209Author
Known Participant
September 16, 2014

thank you for your response but that is not at all remotely close to what i am looking to do.