What are the best settings for a smooth line?

[kevinp]

Can anyone suggest the best settings to ensure a smoothly drawn line? Even when I write really carefully (and I can write good script on a board), the result is disappointing. I've tried different resolution screens, used thin pens, thick ones and have played with 16/32 bit settings. It's one area that I hope with time can be improved, but in the mean time does anyone have any suggestions?

[sartley]

Kevin - are you talking straight lines here? If you are, select the pen tool, then right click. This will open the pen modifier toolbox enabling you to select, then draw different straight lines and other shapes. If you mean something else, then post a little more detail and someone will probably be able to help you.

[Dug]

Sharon, are you talking Studio or Primary? Wish you could do this in Primary, but sadly, I fear it is another shortfall against its 'Secondary' cousin.

[sartley]

Absolutely right, Dug - I am talking AS2 - forgot which forum I was on! Apologies! If I find a work around I'll post it.

[Margaret Allen]

I think that Kevin is talking about generally writing.....:eek: but I may be mistaken.


Kevin, if all you need is a straight line there are two options in AP. One is two use the point to point tool, which is available within the pen toolbar and the other alternative is to use the ruler and draw a straight line along this..... BUT not sure if this helpful.... :confused:

[LouB]

Could you not just choose the line tool and stretch the line across the page? That way you know it is straight and you can choose the thickness etc.

If I have got the wrong end of the stick then I am sorry. :rolleyes:

[kevinp]

Sorry - a major omission - I meant when simply writing. Whatever I try my written work doesn't look good (and its impractical to type everything you need.)
Kevin

[LouB]

Practise makes perfect - it took me a while to make my writing look good on the board. Make sure your board is callibrated and choose a thicker pen, this helps to smooth it out a bit and not look so broken and 'bitty'. Good luck!

Oh by the way if you take 5 steps back from the board it always looks much better than you think it does when you are standing close to it!:)


Kevinp just noticed you are in High Wycombe, I am often there as my parents live there so if you need any help just shout!

[Margaret Allen]

Do you know this is going to come across as a bit self congratulatory and smug.... but I think this forum is amazing... when we can encourage complete strangers to be popping in and helping eachother.... what a fantastic "atmosphere".....


Kevin all I would add is that I always use the "third" pen along from the left as my "writing" pen, I find the two thin ones too thin :eek:

[Alison]

I totally agree with Margaret. And I also use the third from the left. It definitely gives the best 'look'. Have you been using lines to write on? My Headteacher always puts a lined background on to keep his writing looking neater. Personally, I think it looks better without! +wave+

One last thing to try is to stand on the other side. When I started using an IWB I always stood on the left of the board. When I moved in to this classroom there's a fixed computer desk in the way. I had to learn to write from the other side. At first my writing went bad, but now it's fine again. Worth trying! :-/

[LouB]

Third pen from the left is definitely the best! I personally use lines most of the time but this is because I am trying to teach children how to write in a cursive style and if you don't have a line, you don't know where your lead ins should go. It makes me laugh when my Reception children use the board in choosing time - they get the lines up and then make the bigger according to how big their own writing is. I had one child say to me the other day as I was about to model writing a recount 'I've put the lines up for you, do you think your writing is going to fit!' :p