Step 1:  Create a 200px by 200px blank document and fill the background layer with white. Create a blank transparent layer on top, rename it Shape1, and select it. Position guides in the centre of the image, as shown on the left. Then, using the Elliptical Marquee Tool, create a 180px by 180px fixed selection and Edit > Fill it with Black. Now use the Move Tool to move the circle until it snaps automatically into position in the centre of the image.

Step 2: Create a new transparent layer on top of the others called Shape2, and repeat the circle creation part of step 1, but this time with a grey circle of 140px by 140px.   Move it into the snapped central position as before.

Step 3:  Now create a selection around the Shape2 layer by holding down CTRL and clicking on the layer in the layers palette once.  After you have done this, select the Shape1 layer, and tap the DEL button on the keyboard.   Delete (or Hide) the Shape2 layer and you should be left with a smooth ring identical to the one opposite.

Step 4: Using the Rectangular Marquee Tool, create a rectangle 200px in width, and 10px in height.  Position it in the middle of the ring, and press DEL to erase a small portion of the ring.

Step 5:  Now choose Select > Transform Selection from the menu and rotate the selection by 45 degrees. You can do this by entering the value directly into the toolbar or by holding down SHIFT on your keyboard and dragging outside the selection (this moves the selection in 15 degree chunks). Press ENTER to finalize the selection changes and then DEL once more.  Repeat this step twice and you should end up with a segmented ring like the one on the left.

Step 6: Add a little individuality to your work by clicking on Edit > Transform > Perspective. Drag the corners around until you have achieved the effect you desire, and press ENTER to finalize the change.  There you have it - a very snazzy segmented ring awaiting your further decoration.

Variations: It should be remembered, of course, that segmented rings are a primary building block of more complex designs. With a little time and effort you can build upon the ring and the principles in its creation to make some very pretty logos.  Also bear in mind that you can omit Steps 4 and 5 if you want to create a halo! Just have a play around and see what you can come up with - the example logo below took a mere 5 minutes from start to finish!

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marvelous tutorials. simple but the result is excellent. i applied it with plastic effects and walla...breathtaking.:Proud:

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Excellent - well written! So easy to follow.... and the Perspective effect is an extra bonus. Thanks

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Quote from NeoSoul: Thanx for this tutorial! Very well written... the instructions were very clear and easy to follow. Would it be possible to follow it up with one on how you added layers to it, with another level in between [as in the example you ended the tutorial with]. I am totally new to photoshop and I'm trying to learn how to do as many different things as possible so that I can then execute the designs in my head. Thanx again. NeoSoul

this is great. I was just today looking for something like this.

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Does anyone know where i can find the charcter set used in this tut? (the smaller black one)

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I Like It .. very simple but very good !!
THx X x

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