Create Gap Space for Cross Shape Tiles

[covrc]

In Photoshop CC I need create a wall of interlocking Cross Shaped tiles and fill the gaps with "grout".

How do create same gap space for Interlocking Cross Shape Tiles?

The gap needs to be credit card width.

Using only the move/nudge tool to create the gap is almost impossible.

Align does not work due to the interlocking nature of the pattern.

I have searched extensively in the forum and have seen Illustrator suggested but I have no experience with that.

Thanks in advance.

Rocco

[Mylenium]

Let's begin with the obvious: Your attempts at using move and align could never work out because your edges are antialiased. To produce a clean pattern, you would have to begin by constructing your crosses with clean, sharp edges. The rest doesn't really matter - any method will do thereafter. You are really failing at the first step already.

Mylenium

[covrc]

Mylenium,

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

The image that I sent is a jpg of the PSD layers I am working with. It was to hopefully show what it is I am attempting to do.

I am still trying to learn how to create the grouting gap for each neighboring arm of the cross to be identical.

Thanks for the feedback. Rocco

[SJRiegel]

I

covrc  wrote

I have searched extensively in the forum and have seen Illustrator suggested but I have no experience with that.

Illustrator would be a far easier way to achieve this. 

It's as if you need to fasten two boards together with screws, and have decided to use a hammer for the job because you have no experience with screwdrivers.

[covrc]

That;s as clear an answer as one can get SJR. Thanks for the reply.  Rocco

[c.pfaffenbichler]

The gap needs to be credit card width.

What do you mean by that?

I am not sure I understand your intention – should the crosses’ »arms« become thinner in relation? 

[covrc]

Hello CP and thanks for the reply.

The arms should all remain the same size as they are. I am still trying to learn how to create the 'grouting gap' for each neighboring arm of the cross to be identical.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

The gap needs to be credit card width.

You have not clarified what you mean by »credit card width«.

[davescm]

That made me laugh. According to wikipedia ( ISO/IEC 7810 - Wikipedia )  - a standard credit card is 1/32 in thick = 0.76mm. Still meaningless without a scale to work to though

Dave

[davescm]

Hi

1. Use the rectangular shape tool to make the  squares

2. Set the fill to black or white (or use a pattern to fill)

3. You then need to make a transparent stroke inside the edge. Solid stroke does not work as by its nature it is not transparent.

   So set the stroke to gradient and in the gradient set both ends to 0% opacity - this will give you a transparent stroke

4. Then just lay out your shapes by duplicating and moving the squares - they will align to each other with smart guides

Dave