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Creating shape layers


    You create a shape layer using a shape tool or a pen tool. The shape is automatically filled with the current foreground color; however, you can easily change the fill to a different color, a gradient, or a pattern. The shape's outline is stored in a vector mask that is linked to the layer.

    In Photoshop, you can draw multiple shapes in a layer and specify how overlapping shapes interact.

To create a new shape layer:

  1. Select a shape tool or a pen tool, and click the Shape Layers button Shape Layers button in the options bar.
  2. To apply a style to the shape layer, select a preset style from the Style pop-up menu. (See Applying preset styles.)
  3. To change the color of the shape layer, click the color swatch in the options bar and choose a color.
  4. Set additional tool-specific options, and draw a shape. For more information, see Using the shape tools and Using the pen tools (Photoshop).

To draw multiple shapes in a layer (Photoshop):

  1. Select the layer to which you want to add shapes.
  2. Select a drawing tool, and set tool-specific options.
  3. Choose one of the following in the options bar:
    • Add to Shape Area Add to Shape Area button to add the new area to the existing shapes or path.
    • Subtract from Shape Area Subtract from Shape Area button to remove the overlapping area from the existing shapes or path.
    • Intersect Shape Areas Intersect Shape Areas button to restrict the area to the intersection of the new area and the existing shapes or path.
    • Exclude Overlapping Shape Areas Exclude Overlapping Shape Areas button to exclude the overlap area in the consolidated new and existing areas.

    TipUse the following keyboard shortcuts while drawing with a shape tool: Hold down Shift to temporarily select the Add to Shape Area option; hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) to temporarily select the Subtract from Shape Area option.

  4. Draw in the image. You can easily switch between drawing tools by clicking a tool button in the options bar.