First, is there a way to change the place a twirl is executed.  I would like it so that the twirl takes place in a corner rather than in the center of the image.  You know like when you use frre transform and you can change the point where the transform takes place from.

Second, a newb question.  How do you create a series of rectanges spaced equally either horizontaly or veritcaly without using rulers.  Let's say I want to draw seven 1 inch rectangles running from the  top to the bottom of the image, all spaced equally from each other.  I know I've seen this technique somewhere where you can just repeat the rectangles and they are equally spaced.

Thanks so much.

Don't know about the twirl. Would be interested to know if it's doable.

As for the rectangles ... if you search the Photoshop forum for bolts, you'll see the technique I explained -- where you create shape layers and then use the align options in the Move tool feature. I'd go find it for you, but I'm trying to get through as much e-mail as I can possible before I go out of town tomorrow.

Thank you for your quick reply, aprilgem.  Searched for bolts with no hits. Not to worry, there is always the brute force method.

If you mean the Twirl function of the Distort filters, you can create a rectangular marquee anywhere in your image, then when you apply the filter it will affect only that area.

As for Twirl try this. Duplicate the layer, make oval selection, place it where you want and apply feather about 50px (depends on size of the selection), finally use twirl. Second, after you make you rectangles (each on separate layer) move them roughly one bellow other. Choose first layer with rectangle and then link all other rectangle layers, choose move tool and you`ll get align options. First click on "Distribute horizontal centres" and then on "Distribute vertical centres", voila thats it :) If you`ll have troubles let me know :) Here is quick experiment with twirl :)

Tihomir

Thanks. I have considered using a marquee for the twirl but that does not get at what I really want( at least I don't think so).  the marquee technique would limit the twirls affect to the selection size plus any feather that might be applied.  I was looking for  the ability to affect the whole image but have the center point of the twirl ( the twirl axis) be in the corner of the image rather than the center.  I suppose if I made the feather large enough I could affect the whole image, but I am assuming the affect of the twirl would diminish the further it got from the original selection.   Still, the feather technique might be an acceptable workaround.

You might think "what a cheesy effect", but i work a lot in 3d and sometimes have to build my own texture maps so these techniques will be used more as displacement and bump maps.  As for the rectangle question:  I wish to build some textures for gingham type cloths to use in a a particualr 3d project I am working on.

The rectangle repitetiton technique you mention, Tantarus, sounds just like what I was looking for and will give it a try.  Thank you both.

And beware.  Will return soon return with more annoying questions.

There is a little more harder way than applying the filter. Thats Liquify, the advantage is that you have all the control, but it can be tedious to get just the result you want. It can be excellent tool for making D&B maps. If you have pen tablet use it, it will be much easyer than with mouse :)

Tihomir

For the corner twirl, you can always add the size of your document to the right and under side of your document (placing the right bottom corner of the original picture in the center, and do the Twirl filter on the whole newly sized doc. The color right and under the newly created document will bleed into the picture.

Cool idea Hoof,  simple and effective :)

Tihomir