How to Turn Guides into Lines in Photoshop?

You can't directly "turn" guides into actual lines in Photoshop. Guides are non-printing visual aids. However, you can easily create lines based on the position of your guides. Here's how:

Method 1: Using the Pen Tool or Shape Tools

This is the most common and precise method:

1. Enable Snapping to Guides: Go to View > Snap > Guides. This ensures your tools will precisely align with the guides.
2. Select the Pen Tool (P) or a Shape Tool (e.g., Line Tool, Rectangle Tool).
3. Create a New Layer: This keeps your lines separate and editable. It's good practice to label it descriptively (e.g., "Lines from Guides").
4. Draw Your Line/Shape:
   • Pen Tool: Click on a guide to start the path, then click on another guide to create a straight line segment. Adjust the line's weight (stroke) in the Options bar at the top. You can close the path to create a shape.
   • Line Tool: Click and drag from one guide to another. Specify the weight (stroke) in the Options bar before drawing.
   • Shape Tool (e.g., Rectangle Tool): Click and drag to create a shape that aligns with your guides.

Method 2: Stroking a Selection Based on Guides

This method is less precise but can be useful in certain situations:

1. Make a Selection: Use a selection tool (e.g., Rectangular Marquee Tool, Elliptical Marquee Tool). Make sure View > Snap > Guides is enabled. Carefully align the selection edges with your guides.
2. Stroke the Selection: Go to Edit > Stroke.
3. Set Stroke Width and Color: Choose the desired width (in pixels) and color for your stroke.
4. Set Location: Typically, choose "Center" for the location to ensure the stroke is evenly distributed around the selection edge.
5. Click OK. This will create a stroke around the selection. Remember to deselect (Select > Deselect or Ctrl+D / Cmd+D).

Important Considerations:

• Guide Placement: Ensure your guides are accurately positioned before attempting to create lines.
• Layer Management: Always create new layers for your lines to maintain flexibility.
• Stroke Properties: Pay attention to the stroke weight (thickness), color, and alignment (inside, center, outside) when using the stroke method.

In summary, while Photoshop doesn't directly convert guides into lines, you can easily create lines that precisely follow your guides using the Pen Tool, Shape Tools, or by stroking a selection snapped to the guides. The Pen Tool usually offers the greatest precision and flexibility.