How can I make fiber optic cables?

[tylamb19]

Hi,

I want to design a background looking just like this, but with red colored cables and a black background. I downloaded this image and used replace color to change the cables to be red, however that leaves an ugly blur around the cables and I want to have a straight black background with no gray/blue hue, so I think I need to recreate the image myself. I've tried the pen tool a lot and I can't seem to get it just right. Are there any tricks or tips to getting this look with an image?

Thanks!

[JJMack]

Like this:

That image has a blue haze and there is banding in there changing the blue to red with any adjustment will have banding in the haze area.

[davescm · Accepted solution]

If you want to make it from scratch

1. Draw some curves with then pen tool (I've only drawn 3 for this demo)

2. Set a soft round brush with shape dynamics and flow set to Fade

3. Stroke the path with the brush

4. Use the ellipse tool to add white circles

5. If you want a glow you could paint it on a new layer or use layer styles as below

Dave

[tylamb19]

Thanks a ton for the super helpful "tutorial" and info. Just what I needed.

[davescm]

You're welcome

Dave