Speedometer indicator/needle

[chad5EF9]

Hi I need some help I am trying to create a gps speedometer (analog) and im trying to figure out how to center the needle indicator so it pivots nicely just like a speedometer in a car. Can someone please help me?

[Norman Sanders]

1. Open a new file 

2. Create the dial of appropriate size and add the guides and a blank layer.

3. Make a rectangular Selection (the pointer) and then fill it with a color. Use Edit > Transform > Perspective to taper the pointer. Center it on the guide.                                                                                                   

4. Select the dial. Hold down Cmd+Opt+Shift and choose Edit > Free Transform. Be sure to release the mouse before releasing the keyboard keys.

5. Hold down the Shift key to ensure a vertical drag and drag the center mark in the pointer below the object, as shown in Fig 2.  

6. In the Options Bar set the angle to an amount equally divisible into 360. (The illustration shows the effect of a 15 degree setting for 24 dial positions.) Then click on the Commit checkmark in the Options bar.

7. Hold down Cmd+Opt+Shift and strike the T key repeatedly to complete the circle.

8. Select > Deselect to remove the marching ants.  Remove the guides

9. Option: You may choose to add center button in another color.

[Norman Sanders]

 If on the other hand  you just want to rotate the needle on a pivot point, select the object, then Edit > Transform > Rotate. Drag the center marker to the bottom of the object (or below it) while holding down the shift key of be assured of a straight vertical movement. Then choose one of the top handles and rotate the object. It will rotate on the pivot point.

[chad5EF9]

Ok i got that far but when i check commit the center goes back to original
position.

[Michael Bullo]

If you turn your layer content into a Smart Object, Photoshop remembers the orientation of that element. When you rotate, while the reference point may jump back to the centre each time, you can take advantage of the 3x3 grid of squares next to the reference point check box in the Options bar.

[Norman Sanders]

I assume you are referring to the first of two two solutions I offered…the one with the word “Commit” in Step 6.  You are correct: the pivot point disappears. That is shown in the example I posted along with the instructions.

Have you tried moving on to Step 7?

You will find the pivot information continues normally and, as illustrated, each tap of the T key with Cmd+Opt+Shift held down repeats the needle in accordance with your previously established pivot point.