Symmetry Drawing Solution for Photoshop old Versions

December 17, 2023

If you happen to stick with the old versions of photoshop in your PC, then frown not as you have still a chance to enjoy doing some digital arts symmetrically while keeping your old version.

For this demo photoshop used here is CS3, check out if you have CS6 and below if this work around is applicable.

STEPS

Open a new canvas according to your preferred size, for this short demo canvas at 1000 x 1000 pixels.

Duplicate the Layer background and name it as LEFT

You may opt to change the layer color to differentiate from your background.

Add a new vertical guide set to 50%.

Press CTRL+T and drag one side of LEFT layer to the middle of your guide and apply changes.

Right click on LEFT layer and convert to Smart Object and duplicate and name as RIGHT layer.

Press CTRL+T on RIGHT layer and right click and Flip Horizontal

Press CTRL+A to select all and click Align Right Edges

Once aligned click on Window, select Arrange (new window for ...)

Go back to Window, Arrange and select Tile Horizontally or you may choose Tile Vertically.

Double click on Left Layer to access smart object and you may start drawing, press CTRL+S to show progress of your drawing.

PS Action

Tried to make a PS Action to expedite the process you may check if it works with your PS version since this is made from a CS3 version.

Download and extract:

PS Action here for Left hand artists and play Action 1
PS Action here for Right hand artists and play Action 2*

* PS action second link already has Action 1 included

This tutorial suits "Left handed artists" if you're more comfortable drawing from your right hand then you may reverse the process of creating the smart object.

PEN Smoothing (Stabilizer)

I also found interesting tool you may wish to try out (not sponsored), I read it somewhere and mentioned it helps to stabilize your line art since old PS versions don't have yet this feature or somehow have smoothing but not that advanced.

Try the trial first if it fits your drawing needs then decide later if you want to purchase later.

For Windows OS only.

30% OFF from December to January 1, 2024, so check first the trial before you purchase the license.

Official Website