A contour can be added to a Bevel and Emboss effect by choosing it from
the submenu in the list at the left side of the Layer Styles box. That
Contour attempts to simulate striations in the beveled material. There
is an additional Contour setting within the main Bevel and Emboss dialog
box for adding gloss contours to the highlights and shadows.
Contour is also available as a setting within
the dialog box of all other effects except for the overlays, and the Stroke
effect.
Contours, whether they are added to the
substance, or the shadow, highlight, or gloss of an effect, allow variations
in the intensity of the tones which suggest a ridged, curved, or otherwise
not flat surface. Depending on the contour you choose, the effect can
add realistic detail to the effect, or make it deliberately unrealistic.
The illustration above shows the dialog box for the Contour effect which
is subordinate to the Bevel and Emboss effect. This is the one that is
supposed to add the appearance of undulations in the wood or metal that
has been beveled and embossed.
First, is a contour applied with the default settings. The Inner Bevel was also made from the default settings. I’ve only included this for reference. The default contour is really no contour, or at least no variation in the contour.
The next example shows the same contour with the Range setting changed to 50 to 10.
And, finally, an example of an unusual contour. This is the Sawtooth contour’s effect. It’s the last one on the right in the second row of the Contour pop-up palette.
Here is the contour palette with the additional ones added.
If you like, you can choose Large List from the palette menu to have the palette show with names and thumbnails.
If you want to make your own custom contours, click on the contour thumbnail.
This will open the Edit Contour dialog box.
Add points to the curve by clicking on it, and drag the points to alter
the curve. If you want a point to remain fixed when you drag on the rest
of the curve, click on that point, and then select the Corner check box.
When you’re done, click New to add the custom contour to the Contours palette.
Note that you may lose this contour if you have to delete your preferences,
or if you choose Reset Contours from the palette menu.
If you create a lot of custom contours,
it is much safer to save them as your own set by going to Edit > Preset
Manager, and choosing Contours from the menu. Click on your new contour.
Shift click any additional contours you would like to include in your
set. Then choose Save Set. Name it, save it, and then click Done. Your
new set will show up in the Contours pop-up palette menu the next time
you open Photoshop.
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