How to make Symmetrical Shapes using the Pen Tool?

[RajneshD]

Greetings,

    Is there a good way to make Symmetrical Shapes (with Vertical Symmetry) in Photoshop CC? I know this is possible with the Brush Tool, but can I do the same with the Pen Tool?

    I am creating the Front View of a Character for Animation.

    Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Rajnesh

[Muqqarib Hassan]

Hi, Please see following video guides.

[RajneshD]

Thank you, Muqqarib.

In the examples you have attached, one half of a Shape is drawn. Then it is reflected and moved so that the complete shape is formed.

However, I am looking for something similar to the Brush Tool's Symmetry functionality.

I have attached an image of what I am trying to do.

When I use the Brush Tool with Symmetry turned on, Photoshop automatically creates the symmetrical portion on the other side of the Vertical Center Line (pale blue in the image). This was used to create the lower flower like images in the image I attached.

The upper shapes are vector shapes, and they were created with the Pen Tool.

I would like the left one to be automatically created when the right one is created (for example).

Is this possible with the Pen Tool?

Thanks again.

Rajnesh

[Muqqarib Hassan · Accepted solution]

Hi, No it is not possible to use the Symmetry functionality with pen tool. It only allows you to do it with brush too.

For pen tool you have to do it manually.

Thanks.

[lolasanchez]

what about in the new versions of PS as of today, still can't do?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

»Can’t do« what? 

Photoshop offers options to work with Paths, to create symmetries (though Smart Objects would seem advisable for that), etc. 

What are you trying to achieve exactly? 

And why do you not want to use Illustrator for that? 

[Trevor Warren]

I too am often in need of a pen tool that will draw in symmetry.  It would be very handy for creating paths around symmetrical objects.  Such a shame that the pen tool got left out of the suite of tools with symmetrical capabilities (symmetrically speaking).  Did I mention enough words pertaining to symmetry? 

[davescm]

Brush symmetry cannot be used when drawing paths, in fact it reflects in a selected path. So, at present, you are limited to drawing the path component and copy-transforming it to create the reflected path.

You can raise bug feature requests at the link below , where they will be seen by Adobe staff.
Adobe Photoshop Family

Dave

[c.pfaffenbichler]

For work that’s purely illustrative anyway Illustrator may be the better choice in this case (Object > Repeat > Mirror). 

[Patrick27029827to3e]

Is this still impossible in Photoshop? I can duplicate and mirror like anyone else, but I'd assume with all the artificial intelligence improvements, we'd be able to tackle something like symmetry?

[davescm]

No - same as before. Brush symmetry works and the brushstrokes reflect in a selected path (or paths).

But when drawing paths themselves, you are reliant on duplication and transforms to achieve a similar result.

Dave

[Patrick27029827to3e]

Thanks for the confirmation, Dave. Appreciate it!