How to Make a Round Curve in Photoshop

Creating a round curve in Photoshop can refer to several different actions, most commonly creating shapes with rounded corners or modifying existing selections or shapes to have curves.

The most common ways to create round curves or rounded corners in Photoshop involve using the Shape tools or modifying selections and shapes.

1. Create a New Shape with Rounded Corners

If you need to create a simple shape like a rectangle with rounded corners, Photoshop provides a dedicated tool and easy options.

Use the Rounded Rectangle Tool:

1. Select the Rounded Rectangle Tool from the Shapes tools (it's usually nested under the Rectangle Tool).
2. Click and drag on your canvas to draw a shape.
3. With the shape layer selected, go to the Properties Panel (Window > Properties).
4. Under the Live Shapes section in the Properties panel, you'll find corner radius options. You can adjust the radius value for all corners simultaneously or unlink them (click the link icon) to adjust each corner individually.

As the reference states: "If you are looking to just create rounded cornered rectangles, then use the shape tool in photoshop and choose the rounded corner option from the live shapes under the properties panel (Photoshop CC)."

This method is ideal for UI elements, buttons, or design components that require precise, adjustable rounded corners.

2. Round Corners of Existing Shapes or Selections

If you have an existing shape (either a vector shape layer or a rasterized image/selection) that you want to give rounded corners, the method varies:

• For Vector Shape Layers (not rasterized): If the shape layer is still a "Live Shape" (like one created with the Rounded Rectangle Tool), you can simply select the layer and use the Properties panel to adjust the corner radius as described above.
• For Rasterized Layers or Selections: This is where it gets "a bit more advanced," as mentioned in the reference.
  • Using Selections:
    1. Make a selection of the area you want to apply the rounded corners to (e.g., using the Marquee Tool or by Ctrl/Cmd+clicking the layer thumbnail).
    2. Go to Select > Modify > Smooth.
    3. Enter a Sample Radius value. A larger radius will create more pronounced rounded corners.
    4. Click OK. Your selection now has rounded corners, which you can then use to create a mask, fill, or delete.
  • Using Filters: Depending on the effect needed, some filters might be used, but Select > Modify > Smooth is the standard way to round selection corners.
  • Drawing a Rounded Corner Path: You can use the Pen Tool to draw a precise rounded path around the corners of your existing shape and then use this path to create a selection or vector mask.

3. Draw a General Round Curve or Arc

If "make a round curve" means drawing a freeform curve, an arc, or part of a circle that isn't necessarily a corner, you'll typically use:

• The Pen Tool (P): Click to set points and drag the handles that appear to create smooth curves between points. This offers maximum control over the curve's shape.
• The Ellipse Tool (U): Draw a circle or oval. You can then use the Path Selection Tool (A) to select anchor points on the ellipse path and modify them, or delete segments of the path to create an arc.

Choose the method that best suits the type of round curve you need to create and whether you are starting from scratch or modifying existing content.